ADHESIVE PROPERTIES OF P-LIKE FIMBRIAE IN KLEBSIELLA-SPECIES

Clinical isolates of three encapsulated Klebsiella strains with type 1 (mannose-sensitive, MS(+)MR(-)), type 3 (mannose-resistant, MS(-)MR()), type 1.3 (MS(+)MR(+)) fimbriae and facultatively coexpressing P-li ke fimbriae were investigated for their ability to adhere to uroepithe lial cells (UECs) and tracheal epithelial cells (TECs). Irrespective o f the type of epithelial cells, adhesion of the MS(+)MR(+) (type 1.3) fimbriated Klebsiella strain was significantly stronger than adhesion of strains carrying only type 1 (MS(+)MR(-)) or type 3 (MS(-)MR(+)) fi mbriae. The coexpression of P-like fimbriae increased the adhesive pro perties of Klebsiella strains to UECs bur not to TECs. Adhesion of P-l ike fimbriated Klebsiella strains to UECs was significantly inhibited in the presence of the P+ fimbriae-specific Gal alpha-4-Gal beta (gala biose). Such adhesion was unrelated to the coexpression of type 1, typ e 3 or type 1.3 fimbriae. However, adhesion to TECs was only moderatel y inhibited.