Research Projects

Long-term colonization of H. pylori in the human stomach leads to peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastric cancer (GC), with over 1 million deaths worldwide each year. The prevalence of H. pylori infection and clinical outcomes vary among geographical regions, with India having a high prevalence of H. pylori infection and some states reaching over 80%. In India, GC is the fourth most prevalent cancer, but its death and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) are the highest of all cancers, surpassing breast (8.2%), lung (7.5%), lip and oral cavity (7.2%). southern and Northeastern states show higher incidences of CG. H. pylori remains colonized in the human gastric mucosa and expresses numerous virulence factors, such as vacA and cagA, which are important for survival and pathogenesis. However, our understanding of other H. pylori virulence factors is inadequate due to lack of whole genome sequence data, particularly from India. Preliminary data on H. pylori genome analysis showed significant variations among these genes. Infection of H. pylori is becoming difficult to treat with standard triple therapy due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) strains. The World Health Organization has included H. pylori among the top 12 bacteria for which AMRs are major concerns. Further genome analysis is needed to appreciate the basis of AMR. H. pylori virulence and AMR depend on horizontal gene transfer, with H. pylori exchanging genetic materials with other gastrointestinal microbes.