Helicobacter heilmannii sensu lato: An overview of the infection in humans

Helicobacter heilmannii sensu lato (H. heilmannii s.l.) is a group of gastric non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter species that are morphologically indistinguishable from each other. H. heilmannii s.l. infect the stomach of several animals and may have zoonotic potential. Although the prevalence of these infections in humans is low, they are associated with gastric pathology, including mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, making them a significant health issue. Here, the taxonomy, epidemiology, microbiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these infections will be reviewed. The gastric pathology associated with H. heilmannii s.l. infections in humans will also be addressed. Finally, the features of the complete bacterial genomes available and studies on species-specific pathogenesis will be reviewed. The understanding of the mechanisms that underlie gastric disease development mediated by the different bacterial species that constitute H. heilmannii s.l. is essential for developing strategies for prevention and treatment of these infections.