In vitro and in vivo adherence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains.

Twenty-eight Escherichia coli strains isolated from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections were assayed for fimbrial type, in vitro capacity to agglutinate guinea pig red blood cells, and in vivo adherence to rat bladder uroepithelium. A direct correlation was found between hemagglutinating capacity and in vivo adherence. Strains with both Type 1 and P fimbriae showed the greatest adherence in vivo. Of the 28 strains, seven did not manifest either Type 1 or P fimbriae but agglutinated red blood cells and did adhere in vivo. In studies on bacterial adherence and urinary tract infections, both in vivo and in vitro studies may contribute to understanding the relevance of bacterial adhesins in initiating urinary tract infections.