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IRIS Research Center, Chiron Srl, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
Correspondence J. Daniel Dubreuil daniel.dubreuil{at}umontreal.ca
Received July 17, 2003
Accepted September 15, 2003
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heparin binding to Helicobacter pylori cells on their survival in the presence of fresh rabbit serum with or without active complement components. Three H. pylori strains were compared and the amounts of heparin added reflected the physiological concentrations that can be found in animal tissues. No growth of H. pylori was noted in the presence of serum. Serum with or without active complement produced a reduction in c.f.u. for strains SPM 326, CCUG 17874T and SS1. However, addition of heparin resulted in increased survival of bacterial cells in serum with or without active complement. It appears that heparin binding to H. pylori can prevent bacterial cell death due to the alternative complement system. Heparin binding could also protect from heated serum (complement-inactivated), indicating protection from other serum components besides complement. In vivo, the process of heparin binding could possibly result in facilitated colonization due to a higher survival rate.
Permanent address: Université de Montréal, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Dépt de Pathologie et Microbiologie, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6.
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