Identification of structures containing polyphosphate in Helicobacter pylori

Polyphosphate (poly P) granules are present in Helicobacter pylori organisms from culture and from gastric and duodenal tissue. Electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals distinct phosphorus signals from the cytoplasm, the flagellar pole and the cell membrane. Poly P granules are probably vital to energy and phosphorus stores due to their role in the regulation of metabolic processes in the organism. Membrane-associated granules are visible only after staining or electron spectroscopic imaging.