Urinary tract infections caused by Proteus mirabilis in children. The antibody response to O and H antigens and Tamm-Horsfall protein and bacterial adherence to uro-epithelium.

Sera from seven girls with acute symptomatic pyelonephritis and nine children with acute symptomatic cystitis caused by Proteus mirabilis were analysed for antibodies against the bacterial O and H1 antigens and the Tamm-Horsfall protein. An increase in antibody levels against O antigen and Tamm-Horsfall protein was noted only in patients with acute pyelonephritis indicating that antibody determinations can be useful in differentiating between upper and lower urinary tract infection caused by Proteus in similarity to those caused by E. coli. In contrast no difference in adhesive ability was noted comparing Proteus strains causing acute pyelonephritis or cystitis.