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Characterization of an Helicobacter pylori environmental strain
Author(s) -
Cellini L.,
Grande R.,
Di Campli E.,
Di Bartolomeo S.,
Di Giulio M.,
Traini T.,
Trubiani O.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03808.x
Subject(s) - helicobacter pylori , virulence , biofilm , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , caga , genotype , strain (injury) , bacteria , helicobacter , gene , allele , quorum sensing , genetics , anatomy
Aims: To investigate the main genotypic virulence markers and the phenotypic features of an environmental Helicobacter pylori strain, named MDC1. Methods and Results: The H. pylori MDC1 genotypic status was evaluated by PCR amplification. The mosaicism in vac A alleles was expressed by the s1m1 allelic combination, as found in strains which are strong vacuolating cytotoxin producers; the number of cag A variable EPIYA motifs displayed P1P2P3P3 pattern and the ice A1 was recorded between the ice A allelic types and the bab A2 gene found in strains causing more severe disease. The biofilm formation was evaluated on a polystyrene surface in static conditions by scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Helicobacter pylori MDC1 displayed a dense mature biofilm with cells in a coccoid morphology persistent in time in which the expression of the lux S gene, related to the quorum‐sensing signalling, was always detected. Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori MDC1 strain had the main virulence markers closely related to gastric pathogenesis and displayed a well‐structured biofilm which allowed this bacterium to be more protected in the environment. Significance and Impact of the Study: The persistence of the environmental virulent H. pylori strain in a clustered state suggests a long‐term survival of this bacterial community outside of the host, enabling the bacterial transmission with important clinical repercussions.