VIOLIN: Vaccine Investigation and Online Information Network

Pathogen Page

Helicobacter pylori

I. General Information

1. NCBI Taxonomy ID:

2. Disease:

Ulcers

3. Introduction

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that can inhabit various areas of the stomach, particularly the antrum. It causes a chronic low-level inflammation of the stomach lining and is strongly linked to the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers and stomach cancer. Over 80% of individuals infected with the bacterium are asymptomatic.
The bacterium was initially named Campylobacter pyloridis, then renamed C. pylori (pylori = genitive of pylorus) to correct a Latin grammar error. When 16S rRNA gene sequencing and other research showed in 1989 that the bacterium did not belong in the genus Campylobacter, it was placed in its own genus, Helicobacter. The genus derived from the ancient Greek hělix/έλιξ "spiral" or "coil". The specific epithet pylōri means "of the pylorus" or pyloric valve (the circular opening leading from the stomach into the duodenum), from the Ancient Greek word πυλωρός, which means gatekeeper.
More than 50% of the world's population harbor H. pylori in their upper gastrointestinal tract. Infection is more prevalent in developing countries, and incidence is decreasing in Western countries. H. pylori's helix shape (from which the generic name is derived) is thought to have evolved to penetrate the mucoid lining of the stomach (Wiki: Helicobacter pylori).

4. Microbial Pathogenesis

H. pylori are extremely motile bacteria that colonize the mucin layer of the stomach. The bacteria produces urease which helps it to survive the acidic environment of the stomach and also causes inflammation. The bacteria also possess an adhesin that binds the sugars in the mucin layer. H. pylori also has cytotoxins which can induce inflammation (Salyers and Whitt., 2002).

5. Host Ranges and Animal Models

Mice, gnotobiotic piglets, gerbils, and beagle dogs are used as animal model for H. pylori. H. pylori colonizes the human stomach (Salyers and Whitt., 2002).

Loading Pathogen Genes...

Loading Host Genes...

Loading Vaccines...

Loading References...

Table of Contents