Molecular cloning of the Escherichia coli O75X adhesin

Abstract

The uropathogenic strain Escherichia coli IH11128 (O75:K5:H-) exhibits a mannose-resistant O75X adhesin. The genes encoding the O75X adhesin were cloned from a clinical strain and transferred to E. coli K-12 derivatives. The recombinant plasmids were found to express a 15-kilodalton fimbrial subunit protein, a fimbrialike extracellular structure, and mannose-resistant hemagglutination. An indirect immunofluorescence assay was used to study attachment of the clone and purified adhesin to frozen sections of human kidney. The clone bound selectively to the interstitial areas and notably to Bowman's capsule. The purified adhesin bound to the basement membrane of the tubules and to Bowman's capsule.