Adhesive Properties of P-like Fimbriae in Klebsiella-Species

Summary 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-like fimbriae were investigated for their ability to adhere to uroepithelial cells (UECs) and tracheal epithelial cells (TECs). Irrespective of 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 + ) fimbriae. The coexpression of P-like fimbriae increased the adhesive properties of Klebsiella strains to UECs but not to TECs. Adhesion of P-like fimbriated Klebsiella strains to UECs was significantly inhibited in the presence of the P + fimbriae-specific Gal α-4-Gal s (galabiose). Such adhesion was unrelated to the coexpression of type 1, type 3 or type 1.3 fimbriae. However, adhesion to TECs was only moderately inhibited.