Helicobacter pylori: A chameleon-like approach to life

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is widely adaptable for colonization in human stomachs in more than half of the world's population. The microorganism is characterized by an unusual capability of arranging itself in both genotypic and phenotypic ways. Stressing conditions, including antimicrobial agents in sub-inhibitory concentrations, facilitate entering the viable but non-culturable state in which bacterial cells acquire the coccoid form. This morphotype represents an important strategy for bacterial survival in unsuitable conditions and also allows escape from the immune system. H. pylori is capable of forming biofilm outside and inside the host. For the bacterial population, the sessile growth mode represents an ideal environment for gene rearrangement, as it allows the acquiring of important tools aimed to improve bacterial "fitness" and species preservation. Biofilm formation in H. pylori in the human host also leads to recalcitrance to antibiotic treatment, thus hampering eradication. These lifestyle changes of H. pylori allow for a "safe haven" for its survival and persistence according to different ecological niches, and strongly emphasize the need for careful H. pylori surveillance to improve management of the infection. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved. in vitro in vivo