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.
