Gerbil adaptation of Helicobacter pylori HP87 (genomes). Helicobacter pylori HP87hu

As a part of the full characterization of a gerbil-adapted Helicobacter pylori model and to gain insight into the genetic basis of H. pylori adapation to the gerbil, we determined the complete genome sequences of the gerbil-adapted strain HP87 P7, two HP87 P7 tlpD mutants before and after gerbil passage, and the original human isolate HP87hu. The integrity and stability of the genome including a functional cagPAI was maintained after gerbil adaptation. Genetic and phenotypical differences between the strains were observed. Major differences emerged between the gerbil-adapted strain and the human isolate, including evidence of recent recombination.