Electron microscopic study of association between coccoid forms of Helicobacter pylori and gastric epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between helical and coccoid forms of Helicobacter pylori and gastric epithelial cells.

METHODS

Gastric antral and body biopsies were obtained from eight children, aged 10-17 yr, who underwent diagnostic gastroscopy. Specimens were processed for electron microscopy. The location of organisms and ultrastructural features were assessed with a transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

We observed two morphological forms of bacteria in three of eight H. pylori-positive patients. Helical forms were localized only in the proximity to unchanged or variously damaged mucous cells, but coccoid forms were present only above strongly damaged epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Coccoid forms of H. pylori are closely associated with damaged gastric mucous cells. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are discussed.