Bacteria Using Motility and Chemotaxis to Contact Host Cells
The mucosal surfaces of the bladder and the intestines constantly flush bacteria away in order to prevent colonization. Motile bacteria that can swim chemotactically toward mucosal surfaces may have a better chance to make contact with the mucous membranes, attach, and colonize. Many bacteria that can colonize the mucous membranes of the bladder and the intestines are motile. Motility probably helps these bacteria move through the mucus in places where it is less viscous.