Open AccessAdhesion and entry of uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Author(s) -
Mulvey Matthew A.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
cellular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.542
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1462-5822
pISSN - 1462-5814
DOI - 10.1046/j.1462-5822.2002.00193.x
Subject(s) - bacterial adhesin , biology , pilus , escherichia coli , microbiology and biotechnology , virulence , immune system , host (biology) , innate immune system , bacteria , immunology , gene , genetics
Summary To effectively colonize a host animal and cause disease, many bacterial pathogens have evolved the mechanisms needed to invade and persist within host cells and tissues. Recently it was discovered that uropathogenic Escherichia coli , the primary causative agent of urinary tract infections, can invade and replicate within uroepithelial cells. This can provide E. coli with a survival advantage, allowing the microbes to better resist detection and clearance by both innate and adaptive immune defence mechanisms. Adhesive organelles, including type 1, P, and S pili along with Dr adhesins, promote both bacterial attachment to and invasion of host tissues within the urinary tract. Interactions mediated by these adhesins can also stimulate a number of host responses that can directly influence the outcome of a urinary tract infection.