IN-VITRO BINDING OF TYPE 1-FIMBRIATED ESCHERICHIA-COLI TO UROPLAKINS IA AND IB - RELATION TO URINARY-TRACT INFECTIONS

Urinary tract infections, caused mainly by Escherichia coli, are among the most common infectious diseases. Most isolates of the uropathogen ic E. coli can express type 1 and P fimbriae containing adhesins that recognize cell receptors. While P fimbriae recognize kidney glycolipid receptors and are involved in pyelonephritis, the urothelial receptor s for type 1 fimbriae were not identified. We show that type 1-fimbria ted E. coli recognize uroplakins Ia and Ib, two major glycoproteins of urothelial apical plaques. Anchorage of E. coli to urothelial surface via type 1 fimbriae-uroplakin I interactions may play a role in its b ladder colonization and eventual ascent through the ureters, against u rine flow; to invade the kidneys.