The present invention relates to methods of stimulating an immune response in a
primate utilizing compositions comprising bacterial adhesin proteins and / or immunogenic fragments thereof. The compositions are useful for the prevention and treatment of bacterial induced diseases involving bacterial adherence to a target
cell, such as diseases of the urinary tract. More specifically, the invention relates to the
vaccination of primates, preferably humans, with
protein complexes, such as a purified FimH polypeptides, a purified FimC-FimH (FimCH) polypeptide complex, or immunogenic fragments thereof, to stimulate
protective immunity in the recipient against infection by
pathogenic bacteria, including all types of
Enterobacteriaceae, preferably E. coli to produce specific immunoglobin molecules in the serum and
urine or mucosal secretions of the subject.