Comparison of three serological methods for detection of Lewis antigens onthe surface of Helicobacter pylori

Chemical studies have shown that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from certain stra ins of Helicobacter pylori expresses the Lewis (Le) blood group antigens, p redominantly Le(x) and/or Le(y). Serological methods have been used in a nu mber of studies to assess the level of Le expression by H. pylori. However, serological and chemical analyses of a strain's LPS do not always agree. T he purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare serological methods us ed to detect the expression of these antigens by H. pylori. A set of 34 Iri sh clinical isolates and three culture collection strains had their Le anti gen expression assessed using three serological methods, serodot, Western b lotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A combination of all three m ethods was used to estimate Le(x) (59%) and Le(y) (94%) expression and this may allow a more accurate assessment of Le expression by isolates for path ogenesis studies. (C) 2000 Federation of European Microbiological Societies . Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.