Effect of immunization of bacterial adherence to urothelium.

In order for a urinary tract infection to begin, the pathogenic bacteria must first adhere to the urothelial surface. An in vivo method for quantitation of bacterial adherence to urothelium has been developed. Immunization by instillation of bacterial antigens into the rat bladder decreased bacterial adherence. Bladder immunization was more effective than subcutaneous immunization. Preinfection by Escherichia coli decreased subsequent adherence of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Increasing antiadherence factors may offer a new approach to the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections.