Cell-surface components or appendages of bacteria that facilitate adhesion (BACTERIAL
ADHESION) to other cells or to inanimate surfaces. Most fimbriae (FIMBRIAE, BACTERIAL)
of gram-negative bacteria function as adhesins, but in many cases it is a minor subunit
protein at the tip of the fimbriae that is the actual adhesin. In gram-positive bacteria,
a protein or polysaccharide surface layer serves as the specific adhesin. What is
sometimes called polymeric adhesin (BIOFILMS) is distinct from protein adhesin
Note générale sur le champ d'application :
coordinate IM with specific bacterium (IM) but note that ADHESINS, ESCHERICHIA COLI
is available; do not confuse with BACTERIAL ADHESION; do not confuse with BIOFILMS