Cited by 384Helicobacter pylori-related gastroenterology studiesEvolution and Genetic DynamicsGenetic diversity and population structure

Helicobacter pylori evolution and phenotypic diversification in a changing host

Suerbaum, Sebastian, Josenhans, Christine·2007·Nature Reviews Microbiology

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the stomachs of more than 50% of the world's population, making it one of the most successful of all human pathogens. One striking characteristic of H. pylori biology is its remarkable allelic diversity and genetic variability. Not only does almost every infected person harbour their own individual H. pylori strain, but strains can undergo genetic alteration in vivo, driven by an elevated mutation rate and frequent intraspecific recombination. This genetic variability, which affects both housekeeping and virulence genes, has long been thought to contribute to host adaptation, and several recently published studies support this concept. We review the available knowledge relating to the genetic variation of H. pylori, with special emphasis on the changes that occur during chronic colonization, and argue that H. pylori uses mutation and recombination processes to adapt to its individual host by modifying molecules that interact with the host. Finally, we put forward the hypothesis that the lack of opportunity for intraspecies recombination as a result of the decreasing prevalence of H. pylori could accelerate its disappearance from Western populations.

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Crossref · 10.1038/nrmicro1658

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Authors
Suerbaum, S., & Josenhans, C.
Affiliations
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (DE)
Venue
Nature Reviews Microbiology
Published
2007-06
Volume
5
Issue
6
Pages
441-452
ISSN
  • 1740-1526 (ISSN-L)
  • 1740-1534
OpenAlex
W2015449706
Cited by
384
References
112
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 13 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 26 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 28 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 23 · 2013: 27 · 2012: 27
FWCI
4.38
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Nature Reviews Microbiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Helicobacter pylori-related gastroenterology studies
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic diversity and population structure
Keywords
Helicobacter pylori, genetic diversity, host adaptation, phenotypic diversification, mutation rate, virulence genes, chronic colonization, host-pathogen interaction, declining prevalence, Western populations
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Biological, Biological Evolution, Humans, Mutation, Recombination, Genetic, Stomach Neoplasms, Genetic Variation, Helicobacter pylori

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