Metronidazole Activation Is Mutagenic and Causes DNA Fragmentation in <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> and in <i>Escherichia coli</i> Containing a Cloned <i>H. pylori rdxA</i> ⁺ (Nitroreductase) Gene

Abstract excerpt

Much of the normal high sensitivity of wild-type Helicobacter pylori to metronidazole (Mtz) depends on rdxA (HP0954), a gene encoding a novel nitroreductase that catalyzes the conversion of Mtz from a harmless prodrug to a bactericidal agent. Here we report that levels of Mtz that partially inhibit growth stimulate forward mutation to rifampin resistance in rdxA(+) (Mtz(s)) and also in rdxA (Mtz(r)) H. pylori...

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