Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Urinary Tract Infection in a Small Animal Model: Transurethral Catheterization of Male and Female Mice
10:23

Urinary Tract Infection in a Small Animal Model: Transurethral Catheterization of Male and Female Mice

Published on: December 1, 2017

Ascending urinary tract infections in rats induced by Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis

E Hjelm1, I Lundell-Etherden, P A Mårdh

  • 1Institute of Clinical Bacteriology, University of Uppsala, Sweden.

Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica, Et Immunologica Scandinavica. Section B, Microbiology
|December 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis exhibit synergistic virulence, causing more frequent pyelonephritis when co-infecting rat bladders. Antibody responses remained consistent regardless of co-infection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Urology

Background:

  • Ascending pyelonephritis is a significant kidney infection.
  • Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis are common uropathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the virulence and synergistic effects of Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis in inducing experimental ascending pyelonephritis.
  • To evaluate the host antibody response to these bacteria during monoinfection versus coinfection.

Main Methods:

  • Ascending pyelonephritis was induced in rats by inoculating Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis, separately and in combination, into the bladders.
  • Bacterial cultures of kidney tissue homogenates were performed to assess infection.
  • Antibody responses were measured to evaluate host immunity.

Main Results:

  • Pyelonephritis occurred significantly more often when both bacteria were instilled concomitantly compared to separate instillations.
  • This suggests a synergistic virulence between Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis.
  • The antibody response to each bacterium was similar whether they were instilled separately or together.

Conclusions:

  • Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Proteus mirabilis demonstrate synergistic virulence in the development of ascending pyelonephritis.
  • Coinfection with these pathogens may lead to more severe outcomes than monoinfection.
  • Host antibody response does not appear to be enhanced by coinfection in this model.

More Related Videos

Intrarenal Injection of Escherichia coli in a Rat Model of Pyelonephritis06:09

Intrarenal Injection of Escherichia coli in a Rat Model of Pyelonephritis

Published on: July 18, 2017

Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice08:53

Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice

Published on: December 4, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction01:26

Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test01:26

Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...