Genome and methylome variability of the cag pathogenicity island-carrying Helicobacter pylori challenge strain BCM-300 during early human infection. H. pylori genomes from experimental human infection

The human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is characterized by a remarkable degree of genetic diversity. Yet, little is known about the evolution of the H. pylori genome during the initial phase of infection. In the present study, we investigated genome and methylome variation of H. pylori during an experimental human infection with a fully virulent H. pylori strain. Twelve volunteers were challenged with the cagPAI-positive H. pylori strain BCM-300. The genomes of the challenge strain and 12 reisolates obtained 12 weeks or, in one case, 62 weeks after infection were sequenced by Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) sequencing technology.