title: Virulence of Escherichia coli strains in relation to their hemolysin formation, mannose-resistant hemagglutination, hydroxamate production, K 1-antigen and the plasmid profile in patients with chronic pyelonephritis.
abstract: Microorganisms initiating infections of the kidneys and the upper urinary tract are characterized by specific properties. In 96 patients with non-obstructive chronic pyelonephritis, Escherichia coli strains were isolated and their virulence properties studied. Most frequently hemolysin formation and mannose-resistant hemagglutination (n = 39/40%), less frequently the ability to produce hydroxamate/aerobactin (n = 18/19%) and the K 1-antigen (n = 13/14%) were detected. In 34 E. coli strains (35%) two and more virulence factors were found. A statistically significant correlation exists between mannose-resistant hemagglutination (evidence of P- and F7-F14 fimbriae) and hemolysin formation on the one hand and hydroxamate production and K 1-antigen on the other (confidence intervals are 0.56-0.75 and 0.75-0.89, respectively). Disease activity and pathogenicity of E. coli strains showed a statistically significant association (chi 2-value, DF 1: hemolysin 29.5, mannose-resistant hemagglutination 17.1, K 1-antigen 4.8, hydroxamate 0.5). The analysis of the plasmid profile yielded species in molecular weight range from 0-170 Md. A correlation between single virulence features and certain plasmid combinations failed to be demonstrated. The results revealed a close connection between certain virulence properties of E. coli strains and a specific uropathogenicity. The clinical significance of this observation should be further elucidated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, GDR.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fünfstück
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tschäpe
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vollandt
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006384:Hemagglutination; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D006877:Hydroxamic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008358:Mannose / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010957:Plasmids; D011704:Pyelonephritis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D006877:Hydroxamic Acids; C030659:K antigens; D008358:Mannose