Meyer H G, Wengler-Becker U, Gatermann S G
Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Mainz, Germany.
Infect Immun. 1996 Sep;64(9):3893-6. doi: 10.1128/iai.64.9.3893-3896.1996.
The 160-kDa hemagglutinin of Staphylococcus saprophyticus also serves as a fibronectin-binding protein, and the two activities may be present on different parts of the molecule. Bacteria expressing the 160-kDa hemagglutinin bound in large numbers to histological sections of human ureters, whereas nonhemagglutinating bacteria did not bind. Binding was decreased by an antiserum to the 160-kDa protein and by a preparation of sheep erythrocyte membranes. Fibronectin had no effect. We therefore conclude that binding of S. saprophyticus to uroepithelial cells is mediated by the hemagglutinating activity of the 160-kDa surface protein.