BLADDER RESPONSE TO KLEBSIELLA INFECTION - SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY STUDY

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 15  (3) , 227-231
Abstract
The early response of rat bladder epithelium to K. pneumoniae was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Increased bacterial adherence with time after challenge paralleled occurrence of strand formation and ulceration on the bladder epithelium. Early bladder response to the bacteria consisted of altered epithelial membrane structure, strand formation and exfoliation of some epithelial cells. K. pneumoniae apparently causes alterations in the bladder epithelium which may trigger an intrinsic bladder defense mechanism consisting of strand entrapment of bacteria, epithelial cell exfoliation and elimination of attached bacteria via voiding.