Pseudomonas urinary tract infection in patients with spinal cord injury

Serum antibodies to P. aeruginosa were measured in 28 patients with spinal cord injury before and after the development of bacteriuria during their hospital rehabilitation. Serum IgG, IgA and IgM were measured against the infecting strain of P. aeruginosa isolated from the urine of each patient. After bacteriuria was detected, a significant increase (fourfold or greater) in IgG and/or IgA antibodies was found in nine patients (33%). This increase was significantly associated with leucocytosis. These observations indicate that bacteriuria with P. aeruginosa in patients with spinal cord injury is associated with a serum antibody response in a significant number of patients, indicating tissue invasion by this microorganism.