Chromosomal map position of genes encoding P adhesins in uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Abstract

Escherichia coli isolates from upper urinary tract infections frequently express adherence to human uroepithelium and D-mannose-resistant hemagglutination of human erythrocytes. Such adherence is usually associated with P pili encoded by the pap operon(s). In this paper, we report approximate chromosomal map positions for two copies of the pap operon. Only one copy expressed an adhesin capable of D-mannose-resistant hemagglutination, although both expressed P-related antigen.