Fimbria (bacteriology)
In bacteriology, a fimbria (plural fimbriae; abbreviated FIM) (sometimes distinguished from pili) is an appendage composed of curlin proteins that can be found on many Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria that is thinner and shorter than a flagellum. This appendage ranges from 3-10 nanometers in diameter and can be up to several micrometers long. Fimbriae are used by bacteria to adhere to one another and to adhere to animal cells and some inanimate objects. A bacterium can have as many as 1,000 fimbriae. Fimbriae are only visible with the use of an electron microscope. They may be straight or flexible.
Fimbriae carry adhesins which attach them to the substratum (E.coli uses them to attach to mannose receptors) so that the bacteria can withstand sheer forces and obtain nutrients.
Virulence[edit]
Fimbriae are one of the primary mechanisms of virulence for E. coli, Bordetella pertussis, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. Their presence greatly enhances the bacteria's ability to attach to the host and cause disease.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ Connell I, Agace W, Klemm P, Schembri M, Mărild S, Svanborg C (September 1996). "Type 1 fimbrial expression enhances Escherichia coli virulence for the urinary tract". Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93 (18): 9827–32. doi:10.1073/pnas.93.18.9827. PMC 38514. PMID 8790416.
External links[edit]
- Fimbriae Proteins at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
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