Role of oral bacteria in gastric region of humans

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that resides in the gastric region of humans, colonizes approximately 50-70 % of the global population. Among infected individuals, approximately 1 to 3 % of the population develop gastric adenocarcinoma, a type of gastric cancer (GC). This suggests that there are several other factors besides H. pylori infection that increases the risk of GC in H. pylori-infected individuals. These factors may include genetic makeup of the host, environmental factors, and more. Recently, Fusobacterium nucleatum, an opportunistic oral bacterium has been linked to an elevated risk of developing GC. This bacterium has established association with colorectal, breast, pancreatic and oral cancers. However, there is limited research focusing on F. nucleatum and GC. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the role of F. nucleatum in the development of GC mediated by H. pylori. Moreover, we have also tried to understand the role of F. nucleatum in the colonization of H. pylori. Through our research we seek to gain a better understanding of the contribution of F. nucleatum in the context of H. pylori induced gastric cancer.