[Escherichia coli with the K1 antigen isolated in pyelonephritis in children]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Urology

Background:

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common cause of urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis.
• K antigens are important virulence factors in E. coli, influencing host-pathogen interactions.
• Understanding the prevalence and associations of K antigens can aid in diagnosing and treating pyelonephritis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize K antigens in E. coli strains isolated from pyelonephritis patients.
• To determine the prevalence of specific K antigens, particularly K1.
• To investigate the association of K antigens with O antigen groups and bacterial forms (S-form and R-form).

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of E. coli strains from urine samples of pyelonephritis patients.
• Serological identification of K antigens in the isolated E. coli strains.
• Determination of O antigen groups and bacterial forms (S-form, R-form) for strains possessing K antigens.

Main Results:

• K antigens were detected in 84 out of 113 (74.3%) E. coli strains analyzed.
• The K1 antigen was present in 41.7% +/- 6.5% of strains harboring K antigens.
• K1 antigen was found in conjunction with eight O antigen groups (01, 02, 04, 017, 018, 050, 077, 0141) and R antigens.
• K antigens were identified in both S-form (67 strains) and R-form (17 strains) E. coli.

Conclusions:

• K antigens are prevalent in E. coli strains causing pyelonephritis.
• The K1 antigen is a significant factor, often found with specific O antigen groups.
• These findings contribute to the understanding of E. coli pathogenicity in urinary tract infections.