Adherence to urogenital epithelium

Adherence to the urogenital epithelium is a critical initial step in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (PMID: 11544351). This process involves the interaction between microbial surface components, such as adhesins (e.g., FimH in Escherichia coli), and specific host cell receptors like uroplakins or mannosylated glycoproteins on the urogenital lining (PMID: 10692245). By anchoring to the epithelium, pathogens resist being washed away by physiological fluids, allowing for colonization and subsequent invasion of host tissues (PMID: 19129758). Therapeutic strategies targeting this process, known as anti-adhesion therapy, aim to block these interactions using competitive inhibitors like D-mannose or proanthocyanidins (PMID: 28546822). This approach is particularly valuable as it targets virulence factors rather than essential growth pathways, potentially reducing the selective pressure for antibiotic resistance (PMID: 23035867). Consequently, while not a single molecule, this adherence mechanism represents a significant pharmacological target for preventing recurrent infections.

Other names

Bacterial adherenceMicrobial attachment to urogenital mucosaPathogen adhesionUrogenital colonization

Competitive inhibition of microbial adhesins (such as FimH) binding to host cell surface receptors (such as uroplakins) (PMID: 28546822).