The acquisition of iron is a necessity for bacterial growth in Helicobacterpylori, as it is for other organisms. In addition, iron is a critical factor for the virulence of this organism. Therefore, it is not surprising that H. pylori isolates have the potential to express at least three major iron acquisition mechanisms. The association of H. pylori infection with host iron deficiency might indicate that the iron-scavenging systems play a role in the virulence of H. pylori.