Bacterial adhesion and pathogenicity.

Bacteria adhere to almost any surface via specific surface molecules of recognition through which a firm union is established for successful colonization of the host. Studies have shown that adhesion plays an important and critical early role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, and a series of adhesins have been well documented in a certain number of strains and species of bacteria of medical importance. Attempts have been made to interfere with, or prevent adhesion of, harmful bacteria to the host tissue, using receptor analogues or bacterial adhesin-vaccines as prophylactic measures to protect recipients from specific bacterial diseases. Although much success has been reported from such procedures in laboratory animals and livestock, extensive clinical trials are required to assess the efficacy of such procedures in humans. However, reports from limited studies have shown some encouraging results. Future studies must also be directed to the isolation and characterization of more adhesins and receptors and their specific interactions, which would provide fuller understanding of mechanisms of bacterial adhesion, especially at molecular level.