Role of iron in Helicobacter pylori: its influence in outer membrane protein expression and in pathogenicity

The acquisition of iron is a necessity for bacterial growth in Helicobacter pylori, as it is for other organisms. In addition, iron is a critical fact or for the virulence of this organism. Therefore, it is not surprising that H. pylori isolates have the potential to express at least three major iron acquisition mechanisms. The association of H. pylori infection with host i ron deficiency might indicate that the iron-scavenging systems play a role in the virulence of H, pylori. Iron plays an important role as an essential nutrient for growth in H, pylo ri, H. pylori possess several mechanisms far iron acquisition. Colonization wit h H. pylori has been associated with low serum iron and serum ferritin leve ls. Iron-scavenging mechanisms have been suggested to play a role in the virule nce of H. pylori. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 12:1263-1265 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wil kins.