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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
05:57
In Vitro Assay of Bacterial Adhesion onto Mammalian Epithelial Cells
Published on: May 16, 2011
Adhesins of Bartonella spp
Fiona O'Rourke1, Thomas Schmidgen, Patrick O Kaiser
1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitätsklinikum, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. ORourke@med.uni-frankfurt.de
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|May 11, 2011
Summary
Bartonella bacteria cause diseases by adhering to host cells using unique adhesins. Understanding these adhesins is key to developing treatments for Bartonella infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Bartonella species are significant human pathogens, causing diseases like cat scratch disease and trench fever.
- Their pathogenicity is linked to host cell adhesion, vasculoproliferative disorders, and intraerythrocytic bacteremia.
- Key species include Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of adhesins in Bartonella pathogenesis.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms of host cell interaction by Bartonella.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets by analyzing adhesin functions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) like Bartonella adhesin A (BadA).
- Investigation of variably expressed outer-membrane proteins (Vomps) in Bartonella quintana.
- Examination of Trw-conjugation systems and their role in erythrocyte adherence.
- Exploration of filamentous hemagglutinins and other outer membrane proteins.
Main Results:
- TAAs, including BadA and Vomps, are crucial for Bartonella adherence to endothelial cells and extracellular matrix.
- Trw-conjugation systems mediate specific adherence to erythrocytes.
- Adhesins contribute to angiogenic gene programming, a unique feature of Bartonella.
Conclusions:
- Bartonella adhesins are critical virulence factors enabling host cell interactions and disease development.
- Further research into adhesin function and interplay with secretion systems is needed to understand Bartonella adaptation and pathogenicity.
- Targeting these adhesins may offer novel strategies for treating Bartonella infections.
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