Gene clusters encoding the cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 1, Prs-fimbriae and α-hemolysin form the pathogenicity island II of the uropathogenic<i>Escherichia coli</i>strain J96

Abstract

The uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain J96 (04:K6) is able to produce four adherence factors [P-fimbriae (pap and prs), F1C-fimbriae (foc) and Type 1-fimbriae (fim)], two α-hemolysins (hfyI and II) and the cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 1 (cnf1). Using phenotypic test systems and genotypic analysis, it has been shown that the mutant strain J96-M1 has lost the hlyII, prs and cnf1 genes. The three virulence associated determinants are linked on one particular region on the chromosome, which is termed ‘pathogenicity island II’ (Pai II).