Pathogenic potential of Helicobacter pylori strains can explain differences in H. pylori associated diseases rates from Chile and Cuba

Background: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori-related diseases varies geographically and it is partially determined by the virulence of the circulating strains. Cuba and Chile exhibit different gastric cancer rates, on despite of very similar H. pylori infection rates. We determined if differences in the pathogenic potential of H. pylori isolates from Chile and Cuba could explain the disease outcome in each population