Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions relating to bacterial virulence polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences (e.g., DNA) encoding such polypeptides. Based on the present invention, a pathogenic infection may be treated, prevented, or reduced by administering to an infected mammal or plant a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that inhibits the expression or activity of a polypeptide encoded by the virulence factors. Also disclosed are methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques as well as methods for utilizing such polypeptides to screen for antibacterial or bacteriostatic compounds.