ABSTRACT
The role played be Escherichia coli alpha-haemolysin in chronic infections and reinfections of the urinary tract [UTI] was studied. Circulating leucocyte and lymphocyte percentages, immunoglobulins G, A and M levels and anti-alpha-haemolysin titers were estimated in patients infected with haemolytic and non-haemolytic E. coli. Results were compared with control group of similar age range. A significant [P < 0.05] rise in mean leucocyte counts and T lymphocyte percentages in both groups and maintenance of the level of total lymphocytes was observed. B lymphocytes decreased in patients infected with non-haemolytic E. coli and maintained a normal value in patients infected with haemolytic strains. A significant decrease [P < 0.05] in IgG and an increase [P < 0.05] in IgA was observed in patients infected with haemolytic strains while no significant rise in anti-haemolysin titer occurred. Both IgG and IgM decreased in patients infected with non-haemolytic strains. No significant [P> 0.05] differences were observed, in all above mentioned parameters. between both groups of patients. It was concluded that alpha-haemolysin plays no significant role in UTI