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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

In Vitro Assay of Bacterial Adhesion onto Mammalian Epithelial Cells
Published on: May 16, 2011
Pilus-mediated adherence of Escherichia coli K1 to human oral epithelial cells
Abstract:
We examined the effect of host age and health status on the adherence of mannose-sensitive piliated Escherichia coli K1 to human oral epithelial cells. Mannose-sensitive piliated bacteria adhered in comparable numbers to newborn, older infant, and adult cells (125 +/- 61, 198 +/- 54, and 139 +/- 69 bacteria per cell, respectively). Prematurity and serious illness did not alter adherence in newborns. The increased susceptibility of premature newborns to E. coli K1 cannot be explained by enhanced epithelial cell adherence.
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