Surface charge and hydrophobicity of Campylobacter jejuni strains in relation to adhesion to epithelial HT‐29 cells

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Hydrophobicity and surface charge of clinical isolates of Campylobacter jejuni strains were investigated by aqueous two-phase partitioning (one-step and counter-current distribution), ion exchange chromatography and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. There was a good correlation between the different physico-chemical methods reflecting the same bacterial property. All strains were negatively charged and exposed a hydrophobic surface, but to a varying extent. Bacteria with a high negative surface charge and a weak hydrophobic surface adhered better to human intestinal HT-29 cells than strains with less charge and a more hydrophobic surface. Highest adhesion was shown by a strain differing from all the others in charge properties. It was also found that the tendency to aggregate was higher among the strains showing the greatest degree of adherence.