The Role of the Flagellum in the Adherence of Vibrio cholerae

Abstract

The role of the flagellar structure in the in vitro adherence and in vivo colonization of Vibrio cholerae was studied by comparing the behavior of pairs of related motility variants. Although the presence of the flagellum seemed essential for in vitro attachment, the property of motility was neither necessary nor sufficient. Since it was possible to demonstrate independently both motility and binding capacities associated with this structure, it was concluded that the flagellum functions as the carrier of the moieties that promote adherence. Studies using the infant mouse cholera model unequivocally demonstrated the in vivo significance of a functional flagellum and suggested that this structure enhances virulence by facilitating the initial colonization of the small bowel.