Oral Helicobacter pylori: Interactions with host and microbial flora of the oral cavity

Abstract

The role of the oral cavity as a reservoir for Helicobacter pylori is still a controversial issue. There is a great number of articles indicating the presence of this pathogen in the oral cavity, but discrepancies among techniques for H. pylori detection and the variations in the patients tested often make it difficult to formulate a final verdict. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are one of the most important factors determining colonization of H. pylori in the oral cavity. Among them, the key role is attributed to BabA, SabA and NapA, all of which promote adherence and retention within this area. The oral cavity is characterized by the co-existence of numerous microorganisms which may potentially affect the physiology and morphology of H. pylori. The presence of coccoid-stimulating factors and relatively low levels of AI-2 in the early-to mid-stages of supragingival plaque allow dental H. pylori to colonize this niche as nonculturable spherical forms. On the other hand, subgingival plaque characterized by high numbers of periopathogens, capable of synthesizing high concentrations of AI-2, may favor the presence of mixed populations of spiral and coccoid H. pylori forms. This review article provides an up-to-date knowledge about the ability of oral H. pylori to interact both with the host and the local microflora of the oral cavity.

Effectiveness and Safety of Rifaximin-Containing Regimens for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: Systematic Review – Are They Potential Eradication Regimens?

“…Thus, descriptive evaluation could be a suitable way to objectively evaluate these results, which may reduce the accuracy of results. Finally, some known factors currently that may have impacts on eradication rates do not seem to be taken into account in these studies, such as oral H. pylori colonization rates 28 , 29 and bile reflux gastric disease. 30 In addition, another advantage of rifaximin, which can reduce bacterial toxins and alleviate the inflammatory response in stomach, has not been evaluated at all.…”

Morphology of Helicobacter pylori as a result of peptidoglycan and cytoskeleton rearrangements

“… Factors stimulating morphological transformations of Helicobacter pylori . There are many factors responsible for the transition of H. pylori from spiral into spherical [ 19 – 38 , 42 , 43 ], rod-shaped [ 44 , 45 ], and filamentous [ 15 , 29 , 45 , 48 – 50 ] forms …”

“…This is in accordance with the observations of Loke et al , who showed in vitro a higher level of proteins associated with carcinogenesis promotion in spherical H. pylori forms [ 41 ]. In addition to the stomach, the oral cavity is a potential reservoir of this bacterium, in which H. pylori is predominantly in spherical form [ 42 ]. Reports on the possible coexistence of spherical forms with single spiral forms also exist [ 43 ].…”

“…Reports on the possible coexistence of spherical forms with single spiral forms also exist [ 43 ]. It is suggested that the morphology of oral H. pylori corresponds to the conditions prevailing in this environment and the presence of physiological flora colonising this area [ 42 ].…”

The interplay between Helicobacter pylori and the gut microbiota: An emerging driver influencing the immune system homeostasis and gastric carcinogenesis

“…It has been shown that H. pylori interacts with the oral microbiota and may even colonize in the oral cavity. Moreover, a significant increase in the α-diversity of the oral microbiota has been detected in H. pylori- positive individuals compared to H. pylori -negative individuals ( Krzyzek and Gosciniak, 2018 ).…”