Neighbor-joining tree based on the sequence diversity of <i>cagA</i> (Left) and <i>cagPAI</i> (Right).

<p>YN4–84 is highlighted in red.</p

A. Global distribution of sequenced <i>H</i>. <i>pylori</i> strains from different populations B. phylogenetic comparison based on seven house-keeping genes (Left) and core genomes (Right).

<p>A. Global distribution of sequenced <i>H</i>. <i>pylori</i> strains from different populations B. phylogenetic comparison based on seven house-keeping genes (Left) and core genomes (Right).</p

Gene contents of the predicted phage YN4–84P.

<p>Gene contents of the predicted phage YN4–84P.</p

a. Subsystem distribution statistics of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> strain YN4–84 generated by the rapid annotation using a subsystem technology server. b. Subsystem distribution statistics of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> strain YN1–91 generated by the rapid annotation using a subsystem technology server.

<p>a. Subsystem distribution statistics of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> strain YN4–84 generated by the rapid annotation using a subsystem technology server. b. Subsystem distribution statistics of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> strain YN1–91 generated by the rapid annotation using a subsystem technology server.</p

Gene content of YN4–84P.

<p>Gene content of YN4–84P.</p

Genomic features and backgrounds of the 47 <i>H</i>. <i>pylori</i> strains used in this study

<p>Genomic features and backgrounds of the 47 <i>H</i>. <i>pylori</i> strains used in this study</p

Global overview of genomic diversity of YN4–84 and YN1–91 with other 46 <i>H</i>. <i>pylori</i> genome sequences.

<p>The four regions with most divergence were labeled with brown arcs along the chromosome.</p

Global alignment of YN4–84 and YN1–91.

<p>The black arrows above YN4–84 show the insertion of YN4–84P and its flanking gene fragments.</p

Genetic Characteristics and Multiple-PCR Development for Capsular Identification of Specific Serotypes of <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i>

<div><p>The polysaccharide capsule (CPS) of <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i> is a virulence factor linked to cell surface carbohydrate diversity which mainly determines the serotypes. Thirty-four CPS gene cluster structures have been published and some of them can be distinguished by multiple-PCR. Penner serotypes HS1/44c, HS2, HS4c, HS19, HS23/36c and HS41 are markers for Guillain—Barré syndrome (GBS). The capsules may contribute to GBS susceptibility. Analysis of 18 CPS loci revealed high gene content diversity and a mosaic nature of the capsule loci, which are possibly due to gene gain/loss events, and demonstrated a high degree of conservation of genes within serotypes/serotype complexes. A method of multiple-PCR was developed to distinguish five specific serotypes and three GBS-related serotypes. Primers specific for each capsule type were designed on the basis of paralogs or a unique DNA region of the CPS locus. The multiple-PCR can distinguish the eight serotypes in two PCRs with sensitivity and specificity of 100% using 227 strains of known Penner type. The multiple-PCR method will help to distinguish serotypes simply and rapidly.</p></div

Map of 18 CPS loci.

<p>The same color module in different strains means that the sequences in this region are similar. Blank regions indicate a unique region in a sequence. The name of the sequences is made up of the strain ID and serotype. The comparison was made using Mauve 2.4.0 software.</p