Historical and Molecular Perspectives on the Presence of Helicobacter pylori in Latin America: A Niche to Improve Gastric Cancer Risk Assessment

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is responsible for causing chronic gastritis, which can cause peptic ulcer and premalignant lesions such as atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia, with the risk of developing gastric cancer. Recent data describe that H. pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa of more than 50% of the world’s population; however, this bacterium has been described as infecting the human population since its prehistory. This review focuses on the populations and subpopulations of H. pylori, differentiated by the polymorphisms present in their constitutive and virulence genes. These genes have spread and associated with different human populations, showing variability depending on their geographical distribution, and have evolved together with the human being. The predominant genotypes worldwide, Latin America and Chile, are described to understand the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of H. pylori in different populations and geographic regions. The high similarity in the sequence of virulence genes between H. pylori strains present in Peruvian and Spanish natives in Latin America suggests a European influence. The presence of cagA-positive strains and vacA s1 m1 allelic variants is observed with greater prevalence in Chilean patients with more severe gastrointestinal diseases and is associated with its geographical distribution. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the genetic diversity of H. pylori in different regions of the world for a more accurate assessment of the risk of associated diseases and their potential impact on health.

Prognosis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer: A 2024 Update

“…Thus, these cells may play a significant role in the development of H. pylori infection-related cancer [37]. The genetic diversity of H. pylori varies according to geographical location [38]. Several studies worldwide have attempted to evaluate the rate of success of first-line treatment in the pediatric population.…”

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A 2024 Update

“…[34] Genetic variety of H. pylori in various parts of the world. [35] The development of GC and mortality related to H. pylori are linked to particular polymorphisms. [36] The TT genotype of rs7827435 and the CC genotype of rs10955176 may operate as protective factors against the risk of noncardia GC and H. pylori infection, respectively.…”

“…The significant degree of sequence similarity observed in the virulence genes of H. pylori strains found in Spanish and Peruvian locals in Latin America points to a European impact. Geographically distributed strains that are more common in patients with more severe gastrointestinal disorders in Chile are strains that are positive for cagA and allelic variations of vacA s1 m1 [ 35 ]. HLA polymorphisms have a major impact on proper host cell immunological responses for the development of several diseases, including GC.…”