Prevention of Pyelonephritis By Immunization With P-Fimbriae

Abstract

[Pyelonephritic D-mannose resistant] P-fimbriae is a virulence factor in human and nonhuman primate urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, because of bacterial adherence to urothelial cells which is mediated by adherence of fimbriae to a specific glycolipid receptor on the cell membrane of these cells. P-fimbriae was purified for immunization of monkeys [Macaca fascicularis]. High titers of antifimbrial antibody protected against acute and chronic pyelonephritis after renal inoculations of P-fimbriated E. coli.