Genetic analysis of K88-mediated adhesion of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Abstract
Four cistrons (adh) involved in the expression of the K88 adhesion system of E. coli were identified and mapped. Three of these (adh A, adh B and adh C) are located in a single operon (operon I) whereas the 4th (adh D) is expressed from a separate promoter (operon II). The polypeptides encoded by these cistrons were identified and their role in the formation and regulation of K88 fimbriae (pili) is discussed.