Molecular aspects of bacterial colonization

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1995 Nov;16(11):648-57. doi: 10.1086/647032.

Abstract

Bacteria have developed a wide variety of molecular mechanisms that permit firm adherence to a biologic surface. This review summarizes basic principles involved in this process, as exemplified by adherence of the group A streptococcus to oral epithelium, staphylococci to indwelling prostheses, and Escherichia coli to uroepithelium and enterocytes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Adhesion / physiology*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / metabolism
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Pharyngitis / microbiology
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcus / metabolism
  • Staphylococcus / pathogenicity*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / metabolism
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / pathogenicity*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins