Regulation of the Escherichia coli K5 capsule gene cluster region three promoter

Many bacteria can express polysaccharide capsules on their cell surface, which may be important virulence factors. Escherichia coli is able to express more than 70 distinct capsular polysaccharides, or K antigens, which are organised into four groups on the basis of biochemical, genetic and regulatory properties. The K5 antigen belongs to group 2 and is expressed by extra-intestinal isolates of E. coli associated with urinary tract infections and septicaemia.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo