Flow cytometric analysis for adhesion of Vibrio cholerae to human intestinal epithelial cell

The adhesion of Vibrio cholerae O1 strains to human intestinal epithelial cell, Intestine 407, was analyzed by flow cytometer. According to positive percentages of Intestine 407 cells adhered by V. cholerae, two groups of V. cholerae strains were classified as follows: more adhesive (more than 50%), less adhesive (less than 50%) strains. In addition, the fluorescence intensity after attachment of V. cholerae was directly correlated to the number of the microorganisms. It was concluded that flow cytometry is a useful and objective method for analyzing adhesion of V. cholerae to cultured cells.