[Localization of the site of urinary infection in children by an investigation of antibody-covered bacteria]

The demonstration by immuno-fluorescence of antibodies on the surface of urinary bacteria, a new method of determining the site of a urinary tract infection, was found to be as valuable in children as it is in adults. A clear correlation exists between a positive test result and renal parenchymal infection on one hand, and a negative result and lower urinary tract infection on the other. Moreover, immunoglobulins were still detectable in original positive urine samples that had been standing at 4degrees C for 7 weeks. The constant finding of IgA on bacteria suggests a particular synthesis for this class of immunoglobulin. A pathophysiologic role for complement would appear to be excluded by the facts that the serum concentrations of C3 were normal and that C3 was invariably absent from the bacterial surface.