Principales factores de patogenia en la infección por Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

The Gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori has the capacity to colonize the human gastric mucus and remains
within the host during decades. The infection with this microorganism promotes the appearance of multiple gastric pathologies,
like gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, mucosal associated lymphoma tumor (MALT) and gastric cancer. Nevertheless, only a
fraction of the infected people develops some disease by the combined action of genetic, immunological and bacterial virulence
factors. In order to adapt to an adverse niche, the human stomach, H. pylori possesses a sophisticated battery of colonization
factors, like urease and flagella, which offers it the necessary adaptations for their survival and establishment at the gastric mucosa.
Additionally, several proteins of the bacterium have been recognized as pathogenic factors, settling down their influence
in the appearance of severe gastric diseases. There are several virulence factors, but the most important are: the BabA adhesin
and the VacA and CagA toxins. In the last decade, several studies have significantly increased the knowledge into the function
and molecular mechanisms related to virulence factors and their influence in the induction of human gastroduodenal diseases.
This revision constitutes a summary of the main contributions published in the last decade related to the subject of H. pylori
pathogenic factors.