P-fimbriae of pyelonephritogenic Escherichia coli: detection in clinical material by a rapid receptor-specific agglutination test.
A slide agglutination test to detect P-fimbriated Escherichia coli was developed by attaching glycosides containing the relevant receptor structure (alpha-D-Galp-(1-4)-beta-D-Galp) to particles. A suspension of these particles agglutinates within ten seconds when mixed with P-fimbriated bacteria. The test is named the P-specific particle agglutination test (PPA test). The PPA test is more sensitive than the haemagglutination assays previously used. The exclusive specificity of the PPA test also allows the detection of P-fimbriae on strains which additionally possess other fimbriae (e.g. X-fimbriae). Using this test, the frequency of P-fimbriated E. coli in children with acute non-obstructive pyelonephritis was shown to exceed 95%. In lower urinary tract infections the frequency of P-fimbriated E. coli was approximately 20%. Moreover, children with acute pyelonephritis were also found to be heavily colonized in both the periurethral area and the intestine with the identical P-fimbriated E. coli strain.
D000328:Adult; D000372:Agglutination Tests; D002648:Child; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D010861:Fimbriae, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D006017:Glycolipids; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D010127:P Blood-Group System; D011704:Pyelonephritis / Q000382:microbiology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000382:microbiology*
D006017:Glycolipids; D010127:P Blood-Group System; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; C037872:pili, bacterial receptor