Multiple forms of genes in pyelonephritogenic Escherichia coli encoding adhesins binding globoseries glycolipid receptors.

Earlier studies have shown that the majority of Escherichia coli isolates from urinary tract infections which possess a D-mannose-resistant adhesin contain gene sequences homologous to the pap pilus gene sequences encoded on the recombinant plasmid pRHU845. In this report, several E. coli isolates from urinary tract infections were examined to determined the arrangement of pap-related sequences. Copies of gene sequences homologous to the entire pap operon were found to exist at multiple sites in the chromosomes of some strains. The position of the pap operon(s) with respect to adjacent sequences was also found to be variable.