The coccoid forms of Helicobacter pylori. Criteria for their viability

• Published in: Epidemiology and infection 1993-12, Vol.111 (3), p.483-490
• Main Authors: Bode, G., Mauch, F., Malfertheiner, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bacteriology; Biological and medical sciences; Disease transmission; DNA; DNA, Bacterial - biosynthesis; Electron microscopy; Electron spectroscopy; Electrons; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Helicobacter pylori; Helicobacter pylori - genetics; Helicobacter pylori - growth & development; Helicobacter pylori - ultrastructure; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infections; Metabolic diseases; Microbiology; Microscopy, Electron; Pathogenicity, virulence, toxins, bacteriocins, pyrogens, host-bacteria relations, miscellaneous strains; Polyphosphates; Spectrum Analysis; Viability
• ISSN: 0950-2688; 1469-4409
• DOI: 10.1017/S0950268800057216

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 μg/ml), bismuth subsalicylate (64 μg/ml), amoxicillin (0·05 μg/ml) and erythromycin (4 μg/ml) inhibited the growth of H. pylori and stimulated the formation 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.