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Neonatal infection with Helicobacter pylori affects stomach and colon microbiome composition and gene expression in

Katrine B Graversen1, Bella Bjarnov-Nicolau1, Sigri Kløve1

  • 1Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|July 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in mice alters the gut microbiome and stomach gene expression, potentially accelerating development. This study models early-life infection impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori infection affects millions globally, with health outcomes influenced by age at infection.
  • Neonatal H. pylori infection in mice provides a model for studying early-life metabolic and immunological effects.
  • The dynamic first month of life is crucial for understanding host-microbe interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the gastrointestinal tract microbiome and stomach gene expression in neonatally H. pylori-infected mice versus uninfected controls.
  • To investigate the dynamic changes during the first month of life following H. pylori infection.
  • To explore the impact of low-level H. pylori colonization on the host.

Main Methods:

  • Explorative study design in a mouse model.
  • Analysis of gastrointestinal tract microbiome composition (stomach and colon).
  • Stomach gene expression profiling using pathway enrichment analysis.

Main Results:

  • H. pylori was localized to the stomach, with loads increasing post-weaning.
  • Despite low H. pylori abundance (<3%), infection significantly altered gastrointestinal microbiome composition and alpha diversity.
  • Stomach gene expression related to extracellular matrix, muscle contraction, and metabolism was affected by H. pylori infection.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal H. pylori infection significantly impacts the developing gastrointestinal microbiome and host gene expression.
  • Infected mice showed gene expression patterns resembling later developmental stages, suggesting accelerated development.
  • Early-life H. pylori infection warrants further investigation for its long-term health implications.

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