Shared antigenicity between Helicobacter pylori and periodontopathic Campylobacter rectus strains

Periodontopathic Campylobacter rectus strains possess 41- and 68-kDa protei naceous antigens which share antigenicity with antigens of Helicobacter pyl ori strains. H. pylori strains have a 54-kDa antigen which reacts with C. r ectus strains. We found that the salivary IgA levels against H. pylori were correlated with those against C. rectus. These cross-reactive antigens of C. rectus may affect the serological diagnosis of H. pylori infections, esp ecially when saliva is used. It is possible that these cross-reacting antig ens maya relate to the induction of immunopathological responses against bo th microorganisms. (C) 2001 Federation of European Microbiological Societie s, Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.