Comparison of preservation mixtures for Helicobacter pylori.

Long-term preservation of 40 isolates of Helicobacter pylori was investigated with five storage media (brucella broth with 17% glycerol, brucella broth with 17% glycerol and 2% fetal calf serum [FCS], brucella broth with 17% glycerol and 10% FCS, brucella broth with 17% glycerol and 2% horse blood, and 10% mucin) at -70 degrees C for 4, 6 and 9 months. In addition to glycerol, FCS or horse blood in the storage media is necessary for survival of H. pylori. Storage of H. pylori isolates at -70 degrees C in 10% mucin is a simple and effective preservation procedure.