INTERVENTION OF CAMPYLOBACTER-JEJUNI SUBS P JEJUNI FLAGELLA IN THE ADHESION TO CELLULAR CULTURES - BACTERIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL EVIDENCES

The participation of the flagella of a virulent strain (O52) of Campyl obacter jejuni subsp. jejuni in the adhesion to HEp-2 cells and their inhibition try means of homologous polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal a nti-flagella antibodies and colostral natural antibodies (IgA) was stu died. All aflagellated strain (T1) measured as negative control. Adhes ion was observed in higher rates with O52 strain (72%) than with T1 st rain (27,5%). Polyclonal, monoclonal and colostral antibodies inhibite d O52 strain adhesion in more than 70% (p<0,001). T1 strain adhesion w as inhibited only by polyclonal and colostral natural antibodies. Our results suggest that the flagella of C. jejuni subsp. jejuni could par ticipate effectively in the adhesion process. However, the inhibition of T1 strain by polyclonal and colostral antibodies suggests the exist ence of other kinds of adhesins in the bacterial surface.