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[Relation between the O:K:H serotype and the fimbria antigen in E. coli of urinary tract infections]
Abstract:
Following introductory remarks on the typing antigens of E. coli and the relation between O:K:H serotypes and urinary tract infections (UTI), the importance of fimbriae as adhesive factors for the pathogenesis of UTI is pointed out. Our own results on the haemagglutination (HA) patterns and the establishing of fimbrial (F) antigens in E. coli strains from patients with UTI are presented. 42 O1:K2 strains were examined for the presence of F-antigens using crossed immunoelectrophoresis. In 31 strains with mannose-resistant HA from human and monkey erythrocytes this characteristically correlated with the presence of F-antigen. A close relation between O:K:H serotypes and F-antigen was found. In twelve O1:K1:H7 strains and five immobile variants of this serotype we succeeded in identifying the F11 antigen. 14 strains of the serotype O1:K1:H- had the F9 antigen. It is assumed that O1:K1:H7:F11 (incl. O1:K1:H-:F11-) strains and O:1:K1:H-:F9 isolates are derived from different clones.
Insights
This study links specific E. coli fimbrial antigens (F-antigens) to urinary tract infections (UTI). Researchers identified F9 and F11 antigens in E. coli strains, correlating them with O:K:H serotypes and mannose-resistant hemagglutination patterns.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTI) are often caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- E. coli virulence is associated with specific O:K:H serotypes and adhesive factors like fimbriae.
- Fimbriae play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of UTI by facilitating bacterial adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between E. coli O:K:H serotypes, fimbrial (F) antigens, and hemagglutination (HA) patterns in strains causing UTI.
- To identify specific fimbrial antigens associated with particular E. coli serotypes found in UTI patients.
Main Methods:
- Examined 42 O1:K2 E. coli strains from UTI patients.
- Assessed mannose-resistant hemagglutination (HA) patterns using human and monkey erythrocytes.
- Utilized crossed immunoelectrophoresis to identify fimbrial (F) antigens.
- Correlated HA patterns and F-antigens with O:K:H serotypes.
Main Results:
- 31 strains exhibited mannose-resistant HA, which correlated with the presence of specific F-antigens.
- Identified F11 antigen in twelve O1:K1:H7 strains and their immobile variants.
- Detected F9 antigen in 14 strains of the O1:K1:H- serotype.
- Found a strong association between O:K:H serotypes and F-antigen expression.
Conclusions:
- Specific E. coli fimbrial antigens (F9 and F11) are closely linked to particular O:K:H serotypes.
- O1:K1:H7:F11 (including immobile variants) and O1:K1:H-:F9 strains likely originate from distinct bacterial clones.
- Fimbrial antigen profiling is valuable for understanding E. coli pathogenesis in UTI.