Analysis of mannose-resistant adhesins of Escherichia coli by a naturally occurring glycoprotein receptor analogue

Abstract

Hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) contains P 1-substance, a glycoprotein with a terminal trisaccharide identical to that of the P 1 blood group antigen. Quantitative and qualitative haemagglutination inhibition tests show that sheep, horse and pig HCF contain a specific inhibitor for the mannose-resistant haemagglutination of human erythrocytes by P-fimbriate Escherichia coli isolated from symptomatic urinary tract infections. Thus, HCF provides a source of receptor material which is invaluable for the detection and analysis of adhesins on uropathogenic organisms. Only the inhibitors in sheep and horse HCF were present in useful concentrations.