Biofilms and Helicobacter pylori: Dissemination and persistence within the environment and host

Abstract

The presence of viable Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the environment is considered to contribute to the levels of H. pylori found in the human population, which also aids to increase its genetic variability and its environmental adaptability and persistence. H. pylori form biofilms both within the in vitro and in vivo environment. This represents an important attribute that assists the survival of this bacterium within environments that are both hostile and adverse to proliferation. It is the aim of this paper to review the ability of H. pylori to form biofilms in vivo and in vitro and to address the inherent mechanisms considered to significantly enhance its persistence within the host and in external environments. Furthermore, the dissemination of H. pylori in the external environment and within the human body and its impact upon infection control will be discussed.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; Biofilm; Coccoid forms; Virulence; Water

Core tip: The ability of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to form biofilms is fundamental to its pathogenicity. Research into the mechanisms behind H. pylori resuscitation from coccoid to virulent spiral forms will aid a better understanding into infection recurrence in the host and the external environment.