Protection against experimental Proteus mirabilis pyelonephritis in rats and significance of immunity.
Intraperitoneal immunization with formalin-killed bacteria as well as previous hematogenous infection with Proteus O3H1 showed a protective effect against hematogenous pyelonephritis in rats when the homologous strain was used. Transfer of hyperimmune antisera protected against hematogenously induced infection. Neither intravesical or intraperitoneal immunization with formalin-killed bacteria nor transfer of urines containing antibodies of the IgG class protected against ascending pyelonephritis when the O3H1 strain was used. Data are presented indicating that a rise of pH might decrease the biological effect of antibodies, suggesting that Proteus urease activity is a virulence factor of importance in this context.
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007114:Immunization; D011512:Proteus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011513:Proteus mirabilis / Q000276:immunology; D011514:Proteus vulgaris / Q000276:immunology; D011704:Pyelonephritis / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051381:Rats
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial