Helicobacter himalayensis

General Information

Helicobacter himalayensis is a fascinating microorganism that has garnered attention due to its unique habitat and potential implications for human health. This bacterium was first isolated from the stomach of yaks in the Himalayan region, which is notable because it suggests an adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, such as high altitude and low oxygen levels. One of the most intriguing aspects of H. himalayensis is its potential role in the gastrointestinal health of its host. Like other members of the Helicobacter genus, it is capable of colonizing the stomach lining, which is a challenging environment due to the presence of gastric acid. This ability is facilitated by the production of urease, an enzyme that neutralizes stomach acid by converting urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. Genomic studies of H. himalayensis have revealed several genes that are involved in the synthesis of virulence factors, which may contribute to its pathogenic potential. These include genes encoding for proteins involved in adhesion to the gastric epithelium and evasion of the host immune response. Understanding these genetic components can provide insights into the mechanisms of gastric colonization and pathogenesis, which is valuable for developing therapeutic strategies against related pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori. Additionally, the study of H. himalayensis offers a unique opportunity to explore microbial evolution and adaptation. The extreme conditions of the Himalayan region may have driven the evolution of specific traits that enable this bacterium to survive and thrive in such an environment. This makes H. himalayensis an interesting model organism for studying microbial ecology and evolution in extreme environments. In summary, Helicobacter himalayensis is a microorganism of significant interest due to its unique habitat, potential implications for gastrointestinal health, and its value in understanding microbial adaptation and evolution. Its study not only enhances our knowledge of the Helicobacter genus but also provides broader insights into microbial life in extreme environments.

Helicobacter himalayensis is a fascinating species of bacteria that was first isolated from the stomach of a Himalayan goat. This organism is particularly interesting due to its unique ecological niche and its adaptation to extreme environments. It thrives in the harsh conditions of the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, showcasing its ability to survive in low oxygen levels and varying pH conditions, which is a characteristic that sets it apart from many other members of the Helicobacter genus. One of the most notable aspects of H. himalayensis is its potential role in understanding the evolution of gastric bacteria. Its isolation from a ruminant host suggests that it may have unique metabolic pathways that allow it to interact with the host's digestive system in ways that are not yet fully understood. This could provide valuable insights into the co-evolution of host and microbe, particularly in extreme environments. Additionally, H. himalayensis has garnered interest for its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. The study of its genetic and biochemical properties may reveal novel enzymes or metabolites that could be harnessed for industrial processes or therapeutic purposes. The organism's resilience and adaptability make it a prime candidate for research into microbial survival strategies, which could have implications for biotechnology in extreme conditions. In summary, Helicobacter himalayensis stands out not only for its unique habitat and host association but also for its potential contributions to our understanding of microbial ecology and evolution, as well as its possible applications in various fields of research.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Campylobacterota

Class: Epsilonproteobacteria

Order: Campylobacterales

Family: Helicobacteraceae

Genus: Helicobacter

Species: Helicobacter himalayensis

NCBI ID

1591088

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/001/602/095/GCF_001602095.1_ASM160209v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_001602095.1_ASM160209v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The bacterium Helicobacter himalayensis is a lesser-known member of the Helicobacter genus, which is primarily recognized for its role in human gastric diseases. While research on H. himalayensis is still emerging, it has been isolated from the gastric mucosa of individuals in the Himalayan region, suggesting a potential association with gastritis and peptic ulcers. Its clinical implications may mirror those of its more famous relative, Helicobacter pylori, which is known to cause chronic infections leading to gastric cancer and other gastrointestinal disorders. Pathogenicity: The pathogenic mechanisms of H. himalayensis are not fully understood, but it is hypothesized that it may employ similar strategies as H. pylori to evade the immune response of the host. This could include the production of urease, which neutralizes gastric acid, allowing the bacterium to survive in the harsh gastric environment. Antimicrobial Resistance: There is a growing concern regarding antimicrobial resistance among Helicobacter species. While specific resistance patterns for H. himalayensis have not been extensively documented, the potential for resistance to common antibiotics used in the treatment of H. pylori infections raises alarms for future therapeutic challenges. Medical Applications: The exploration of H. himalayensis may also lead to insights into the development of probiotics or other therapeutic interventions aimed at managing gastric health. Understanding its role in the microbiome could provide new avenues for treatment or prevention of gastric diseases. In summary, while Helicobacter himalayensis is not yet fully characterized, its potential implications in human health, particularly in relation to gastric diseases and immune evasion, warrant further investigation to clarify its clinical relevance.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Helicobacter himalayensis is a unique microorganism primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract of various mammals, particularly those inhabiting high-altitude environments. This bacterium has been isolated from the stomachs of Himalayan animals, indicating its adaptation to the harsh conditions of the Himalayan biome. Ecological Niches: _Helicobacter himalayensis thrives in the acidic environment of the stomach, where it plays a crucial role in the digestion of food. Its presence is significant in maintaining the balance of the gut microbiome, contributing to the overall health of its host. The bacterium is known to engage in symbiotic relationships with its host, aiding in nutrient absorption and possibly influencing the immune response. Habitats: This microorganism is predominantly found in the stomach lining of mammals that are adapted to high altitudes, such as the Himalayan yak and Tibetan antelope. The extreme conditions of these habitats, including low oxygen levels and cold temperatures, have shaped the evolutionary adaptations of H. himalayensis, allowing it to survive and thrive where many other organisms cannot. Interactions with Surroundings: Helicobacter himalayensis interacts with its environment by influencing the microbial community within the gastrointestinal tract. Its ability to withstand acidic conditions and its metabolic capabilities allow it to coexist with other gut flora, contributing to the overall microbial diversity. Additionally, its presence may have implications for the health of its host, potentially affecting digestion and nutrient availability in the challenging high-altitude ecosystem._

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Helicobacter himalayensis has shown potential in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. This organism is known for its unique enzymatic activities, which can be harnessed for the production of specific compounds. For instance, its ability to produce urease can be utilized in biodegradation processes, where it helps in the breakdown of urea in waste management systems, thus contributing to the reduction of nitrogenous waste in the environment. In the realm of biotechnology, Helicobacter himalayensis can be explored for its role in fermentation processes, potentially aiding in the development of novel bioproducts. Its metabolic pathways may be leveraged to produce bioactive compounds that have pharmaceutical significance, such as antimicrobial agents or other therapeutic substances. Moreover, the organism's adaptability to extreme environments suggests that it could be used in bioremediation efforts, where it may assist in the detoxification of contaminated sites. This capability is particularly valuable in the treatment of industrial effluents, where its enzymatic properties can facilitate the breakdown of harmful pollutants. Overall, Helicobacter himalayensis presents a promising avenue for research and application in waste management, biofuel production, and pharmaceutical development, making it a noteworthy candidate for further exploration in these industries.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 9

LLM predicted phenotypes: 4

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	google/gemini-flash-1.5	google/gemini-pro	google/gemini-pro	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	google/gemma-7b-it	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	google/gemini-pro-1.5	google/gemini-pro-1.5	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	openchat/openchat-7b	openchat/openchat-7b	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct
Motility	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Gram staining	gram stain negative	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓
Aerophilicity	aerobic	facultatively anaerobic ✗	anaerobic ✗	anaerobic ✗	facultatively anaerobic ✗	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	aerotolerant ✗	aerotolerant ✗	aerotolerant ✗	aerotolerant ✗	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	anaerobic ✗	anaerobic ✗	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	N/A	false	false	false	false	true	true	true	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	true	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	false	true	true
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	false	false	false	false	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗
Biosafety level	biosafety level 2	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	N/A	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✗
Health association	N/A	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Host association	TRUE	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	false ✗	false ✗	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓	true ✓
Plant pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Hemolysis	N/A	gamma	gamma	gamma	N/A	gamma	alpha	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	spirillum	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	bacillus ✗	spirillum ✓	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	bacillus ✗	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	bacillus ✗	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	coccus ✗	coccus ✗	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓	spirillum ✓

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