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Mycoplasmas in human pyelonephritis: demonstration of antibodies in serum and urine
Abstract:
This study was carried out to elucidate by serological examination the etiological significance of mycoplasmas isolated from the upper urinary tract of patients with pyelonephritis. The occurrence of antibodies in patients with acute pyelonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis with or without exacerbation, or noninfectious urinary tract disease was compared by the indirect hemagglutination method. Antibody response was demonstrated significantly more often in patients yielding growth of Mycoplasma hominis from the upper urinary tract than in patients not yielding growth. Antibodies against M. hominis were demonstrated in ureteric and bladder urine from three patients with acute pyelonephritis and from one patient with exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis. M. hominis was isolated from the upper urinary tract of all four patients. Urine antibodies could not be demonstrated in any other cases. Thus, it seems highly possible that M. hominis may play a role in pyelonephritis of humans. The investigations did not disclose a similar role for Ureaplasma urealyticum.
Insights
Mycoplasma hominis antibodies were significantly more frequent in pyelonephritis patients, suggesting its role in human urinary tract infections. Ureaplasma urealyticum showed no similar association.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pyelonephritis is a serious kidney infection.
- The etiological agents of pyelonephritis are not fully understood.
- Mycoplasmas are potential pathogens in urinary tract infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the etiological significance of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in pyelonephritis.
- To determine the presence of antibodies against these mycoplasmas in patients with urinary tract diseases.
Main Methods:
- Serological examination using the indirect hemagglutination method.
- Comparison of antibody occurrence in patients with acute pyelonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, and noninfectious urinary tract disease.
- Isolation of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum from patient urine samples.
Main Results:
- Antibody response to Mycoplasma hominis was significantly higher in patients with M. hominis growth from the upper urinary tract.
- Antibodies against M. hominis were detected in the urine of four pyelonephritis patients from whom the organism was isolated.
- No similar association was found for Ureaplasma urealyticum.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma hominis likely plays a role in the pathogenesis of human pyelonephritis.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of M. hominis in urinary tract infections.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum does not appear to be significantly associated with pyelonephritis in this study.