Characterization of an Helicobacter pylori environmental strain |
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Authors: | Cellini L Grande R Di Campli E Di Bartolomeo S Di Giulio M Traini T Trubiani O |
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Institution: | Department of Biomedical Sciences, University 'G. d'Annunzio', Chieti–Pescara, Italy; Department of Applied Sciences of Oral and Dental Diseases, University 'G. d'Annunzio', Chieti–Pescara, Italy |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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Keywords: | bacterial transmission biofilm environmental strain genotypic status Helicobacter pylori survival strategy |
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