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Mannose-resistant haemagglutination and P antigen recognition are characteristic of Escherichia coli causing primary
Abstract:
Thirty-two Escherichia coli strains from 30 children with pyelonephritis were examined for their haemagglutination patterns and O and K serotypes. 29 (91%) of the strains showed mannose-resistant haemagglutination (MRHA). By use of well-defined target cells, these MRHA+ strains could be shown to recognise human cells either in a P-specific manner (recognising a specific galactosyl-galactose structure which is part of P blood groups antigens) or in a separate, X-specific manner. Both recognition mechanisms could occur separately or together on the same bacteria, the frequencies of P and X specificity being 81 and 19%, respectively. Both MRHA and P specificity were significantly associated with the O antigens 01, 04, 06, 016, and 018, and the capsular antigen K1, which have previously been associated with pyelonephritis. However, the association of MRHA and P specificity with upper urinary tract infection in children is greater than that of any other laboratory-defined bacterial characteristic.
Insights
Most pyelonephritis-causing Escherichia coli strains exhibit mannose-resistant haemagglutination (MRHA), recognizing human cells via P-specific or X-specific mechanisms. This MRHA and P-specificity are strongly linked to specific O and K antigens associated with urinary tract infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pyelonephritis, a severe kidney infection, is often caused by Escherichia coli.
- Understanding bacterial virulence factors is crucial for diagnosing and treating urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Escherichia coli strains possess various surface structures that mediate adhesion to host cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the haemagglutination patterns and O and K serotypes of Escherichia coli strains isolated from children with pyelonephritis.
- To determine the specific mechanisms by which these bacteria adhere to human cells.
- To correlate bacterial characteristics with the incidence of upper urinary tract infections.
Main Methods:
- Examined 32 Escherichia coli strains from 30 children diagnosed with pyelonephritis.
- Assessed haemagglutination patterns, specifically mannose-resistant haemagglutination (MRHA).
- Utilized well-defined target cells to identify P-specific and X-specific adhesion mechanisms.
Main Results:
- 91% of the E. coli strains exhibited MRHA.
- MRHA-positive strains recognized human cells through P-specific (81%) or X-specific (19%) mechanisms, or both.
- MRHA and P-specificity showed significant associations with O antigens (01, 04, 06, 016, 018) and K1 capsular antigen.
- These bacterial characteristics were more strongly associated with upper UTIs than other laboratory markers.
Conclusions:
- Mannose-resistant haemagglutination and P-specificity are key virulence factors in pediatric pyelonephritis-causing E. coli.
- Specific O and K antigens are linked to MRHA and P-specificity, reinforcing their role in UTI pathogenesis.
- These findings highlight the importance of MRHA and P-specificity as indicators for upper urinary tract infections in children.