Protection against ascending Escherichia coli pyelonephritis in rats and significance of local immunity

Abstract

Acute pyelonephritis in rats caused by Escherichia coli O6K13H1 produced serum and urinary antibodies against O6 and K13 antigens. This was also seen after intravesical immunization with Formalin-killed bacteria. Both intraperitoneal and intravesical immunization with these Formalin-killed bacteria protected against ascending urinary tract infection induced by homologous bacteria. Passive transfer of urine containing both O6 and K13 antibodies also protected against infection. By absorption experiments it was shown that K13 antibodies were especially important.