Expanding allelic diversity of Helicobacter pylori vacA.

ABSTRACT: The diversity of the gene encoding the vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) of Helicobacter pylori was analyzed in 98 isolates obtained from different geographic locations. The studies focused on variation in the previously defined s and m regions of vacA, as determined by PCR and direct sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of four distinct types of s-region alleles: aside from the previously described s1a, s1b, and s2 allelic types, a novel subtype, designated s1c, was found. Subtype s1c was observed exclusively in isolates from East Asia and appears to be the major s1 allele in that part of the world. Three different allelic forms (m1, m2a, and m2b) were detected in the m region. On the basis of sequence alignments, universal PCR primers that allow effective amplification of

SUBMITTER: van Doorn LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC105169 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature