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

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.