Receptors for pyelonephritogenic Escherichia coli in primates.

P-fimbriated Escherichia coli adhere to uroepithelial cells of monkeys by binding to receptors which are identical or very similar to those of man. In atraumatic experimental infections of monkeys, a P-fimbriated Escherichia coli strain induced ureteral malfunction with subsequent pyelonephritis. A non-P-fimbriated Escherichia coli strain did not. Thus, P-fimbriation of Escherichia coli represents a true virulence factor in the acquisition of pyelonephritis.