The coccoid forms of Helicobacter pylori. Criteria for their viability.
The fact that Helicobacter pylori can revert to a coccoid form has stimulated speculation about its role in transmission and as a possible cause of reinfection in duodenal ulcer disease. Bismuth subcitrate (32 micrograms/ml), bismuth subsalicylate (64 micrograms/ml), amoxicillin (0.05 micrograms/ml) and erythromycin (4 micrograms/ml) inhibited the growth of H. pylori and stimulated the formation of basically respiring but non-culturable coccoid structures. The presence of polyphosphates as energy and phosphorus source permits a certain level of endogenous metabolism to preserve RNA and DNA, as well as structural components like cell wall, cell membrane and cytoplasma for at least 3 months. However, the applied standard laboratory methods were insufficient for regrowth of H. pylori out of the coccoid form.
Bode
G
G
Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm, Germany.
Mauch
F
F
Malfertheiner
P
P
D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013057:Spectrum Analysis
D004269:DNA, Bacterial