[Correlation of vesico-ureteral reflux and recurrent urinary tract infections with increased bacterial adherence].

Unimpeded urinary flow and voiding of the bladder without residual urine are essential for the prevention of urinary tract infections. Therefore, recurrent urinary tract infections are most commonly found in patients with functional and anatomic disorders of the urinary tract. Children suffering from vesico-ureteral reflux are especially susceptible to recurrent urinary tract infections. The interaction between germ and target cell, i.e. between antigen and receptor, is another important factor in the development of urinary tract infections. This so-called bacterial adherence is variable and depends upon receptor density as well as the affinity of the germ to the receptor. However, our study showed that this bacterial adherence plays a minor role in the development of recurrent urinary tract infections secondary to vesico-ureteral reflux.