Adherence factors in atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains expressing the localized adherence-like pattern in HEp-2 cells.

Although atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC) strains are frequently implicated in childhood diarrhea in developing countries, not much is known about their adherence properties. The phenotypic and genotypic characterization of 29 aEPEC strains expressing the localized adherence-like pattern points toward the involvement of E. coli common pilus (ECP), intimins, and other known E. coli adhesins in this pattern.