Quorum Sensing in Helicobacter pylori: Role of Biofilm and Its Implications for Antibiotic Resistance and Immune Evasion

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the host inducing gastritis, gastric ulcer and cancer. Successful infection in harsh environment requires a special mechanism to colonize the epithelial lining of the host stomach. Antibiotic resistance reports on H. pylori have driven the research to identify the factors contributing to antibiotic resistance. Many reports were there on the communities of microorganisms growing on different surfaces. Such communities of microorganisms growing on the surfaces like gastric mucosa are known as biofilms. The formation of biofilms by H. pylori on the surfaces of gastric mucosa can be one of the reasons for antibiotic resistance and successful infection in the harsh acidic environment. Several reports were also there on formation of biofilm and quorum sensing in H. pylori. The present chapter reviews formation of biofilm, quorum sensing and the advantages of H. pylori biofilm which are responsible for successful colonization.