Helicobacter pylori virulence and genetic geography.
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.
Covacci
A
A
IRIS, Chiron SpA, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy.
Telford
J L
JL
Del Giudice
G
G
Parsonnet
J
J
Rappuoli
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002648:Child; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology; D013270:Stomach / Q000382:microbiology*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000382:microbiology; D014774:Virulence
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines