We studied the binding of cells of Streptococcus pyogenes and mannose-sensitive Escherichia coli to human fibroblast cell lines and isolated buccal epithelial cells in relation to the cell-associated endogenous or exogenous fibronectin of the host cells. The degree of bacterial binding to cell lines correlated directly with the content of endogenous fibronectin on the surface of the cultured cells, although the correlation was better with S. pyogenes than with E. coli. The addition of exogenous plasma fibronectin to the cell lines or oral epithelial cells enhanced binding of S. pyogenes but suppressed binding of mannose-sensitive E. coli. These findings are consistent with the notion that exogenously acquired fibronectin on the surface of host cells modulates bacterial adherence by providing attachment sites for certain pathogens, such as S. pyogenes, and by blocking receptors for others, such as mannose-sensitive E. coli.