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World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Aug 15, 2014; 5(3): 122-132
Published online Aug 15, 2014. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v5.i3.122
Biofilms and Helicobacter pylori: Dissemination and persistence within the environment and host
Steven L Percival, Louise Suleman
Steven L Percival, Surface Science Research Centre and Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Merseyside L69 3BX, United Kingdom
Louise Suleman, Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Percival SL performed the literature search and prepared the original draft; Suleman L edited and supplemented the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Steven L Percival, PhD, Professor, Surface Science Research Centre and Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside L69 3BX, United Kingdom. steven.percival@liverpool.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-161-3017560 Fax: +44-161-3017565
Received: January 10, 2014
Revised: April 17, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: August 15, 2014
Processing time: 237 Days and 4.1 Hours
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.