Cholesterol binding of Helicobacter pylori.

H. pylori cells grown on cholesterol-free medium adsorb cholesterol from serum, egg yolk, and VDRL reagent. The binding of cholesterol does not influence the hydrophobicity of the cells. The haemagglutinating activity is slightly diminished. The cell-bound haemolytic activity is completely inhibited. The affinity of H. pylori for cholesterol probably acts as factor of chemotaxis and adherence.