Uropathogenic E. coli strains that ascend to cause acute pyelonephritis characteristically express a fimbrial type whose receptor on uroepithelial cells is a Galalpha1-4Galbeta disaccharide belonging to the P blood group antigen. Which adhesin is this?

• A Type 1 fimbriae with mannose-sensitive binding
• B P fimbriae (pyelonephritis-associated pili) ✓
• C Bundle-forming pili
• D Curli fibres

Explanation

P fimbriae carry PapG adhesins that bind the Gal-Gal globoside receptor of the P blood group system on renal epithelium, and their presence correlates strongly with upper urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis. Type 1 fimbriae bind mannose residues and are associated more with bladder colonisation and cystitis, which makes them the strongest distractor. Bundle-forming pili belong to EPEC and curli mediate biofilm formation rather than tissue tropism.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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