Pathogenic intestinal bacteria: adhesion and invasion

Enteric bacterial pathogens cause considerable morbidity and mortality in developing countries. However, also industrialised countries are burdened with these microorganisms, and there is an increasing public awareness of the problems associated with foodborne diarrhoeal diseases. The ability to interact with the gut epithelium is essential for these bacteria. During the last 10-15 years our insight into the mechanisms for bacterial adhesion and invasion has increased dramatically, and, based upon this, new strategies for prevention and treatment of diarrhoeal diseases have been suggested. This review summarises the present general knowledge about bacterial adhesion and invasion in the gut and gives details for bacteria, that are recognised enteric pathogens. Examples are given about possible future use of this knowledge in the prevention or treatment of diarrhoeal disease.