Helicobacter pylori virulence and genetic geography

Science. 1999 May 21;284(5418):1328-33. doi: 10.1126/science.284.5418.1328.

Abstract

Isolated for the first time in 1982 from human gastric biopsy, Helicobacter pylori is responsible for gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. A pathogenicity island acquired by horizontal transfer, coding for a type IV secretion system, is a major determinant of virulence. The infection is now treated with antibiotics, and vaccines are in preparation. The geographic distribution suggests coevolution of man and Helicobacter pylori.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Biological Evolution
  • Child
  • Genetic Variation
  • Helicobacter Infections / epidemiology
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology*
  • Helicobacter Infections / prevention & control
  • Helicobacter Infections / transmission
  • Helicobacter pylori / genetics*
  • Helicobacter pylori / immunology
  • Helicobacter pylori / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Peptic Ulcer / microbiology
  • Stomach / microbiology*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / microbiology
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Bacterial Vaccines