Detection of Helicobacter pylori in city water, dental units' water, and bottled mineral water in Isfahan, Iran. ScientificWorldJournal. 2013;2013:280510. [PMID: 23606812 PMCID: PMC3628665 DOI: 10.1155/2013/280510]

Helicobacter pylori virulence genotypes in Bogotá River and wastewater treatment plants in Colombia

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects 70%-80% of the population in Colombia, causing chronic gastritis in all those infected and gastric cancer in 1%-2% of those infected. In Colombia, some studies have identified the presence of vacA and cagA genes in environmental samples such as treated, surface, and wastewater, but they have not been evaluated in the Bogotá River. For this, the aim of this study was to identify the virulence genotypes of H. pylori present in samples from the Bogotá River and domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 75 water samples (51 from the Bogotá River and 24 from wastewater treatment plants) were collected. The presence of H. pylori DNA and its virulence genotypes was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

The presence of H. pylori DNA was demonstrated in 44% (33/75) of the samples, obtaining 63.6% (21/33) from the Bogotá River and 36.4% (12/33) from the WWTPs. The most prevalent H. pylori genotype was cagA (-) and vacAm1/s1/i1 being the most virulent of the vacA gene.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study in Colombia that determines the cagA and vacA genotypes in surface water and WWTPs, indicating the circulation of virulent genotypes in the population. The presence of this pathogen in the waters can be represent a risk to the health of the surrounding population since these waters are reused by the communities for different purposes.

Curcumin clarithromycin nano-form a promising agent to fight Helicobacter pylori infections

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the main cause of gastric diseases. However, the traditional antibiotic treatment of H. pylori is limited due to increased antibiotic resistance, low efficacy, and low drug concentration in the stomach. This study developed a Nano-emulsion system with ability to carry Curcumin and Clarithromycin to protect them against stomach acidity and increase their efficacy against H. pylori. We used oil in water emulsion system to prepare a novel Curcumin Clarithromycin Nano-Emulsion (Cur-CLR-NE). The nano-emulsion was validated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, zeta potential; transmission electron microscopy (mean particle size 48 nm), UV-visible scanning and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The in vitro assay of Cur-CLR-NE against H. pylori was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (12.5 to 6.26 µg/mL), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and anti-biofilm that showed a higher inhibitory effect of Cur-CLR-NE in compere with, free curcumin and clarithromycin against H. pylori. The in vivo results indicated that Cur-CLR-NE showed higher H. pylori clearance effect than free clarithromycin or curcumin under the same administration frequency and the same dose regimen. Histological analysis clearly showed that curcumin is highly effective in repairing damaged tissue. In addition, a potent synergistic effect was obvious between clarithromycin and curcumin in nano-emulsion system. The inflammation, superficial damage, the symptoms of gastritis including erosion in the mouse gastric mucosa, necrosis of the gastric epithelium gastric glands and interstitial oedema of tunica muscularis were observed in the positive control infected mice and absent from treated mice with Cur-CLR-NE.

Potentially Infectious Helicobacter pylori in Tap Water in Kermanshah, Western Iran

Background

Although the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori is well-defined, the origin and transmission of the bacterium have remained largely unknown. The water transmission hypothesis suggested that water acts as a carrier in oral-fecal transmission, especially in high-prevalence areas. We aimed to evaluate the possible contamination of tap water with infective H. pylori in Kermanshah, Iran from Sep-Oct 2020.

Methods

Tap water samples were collected from varieties of probable high-alert regions and the viability of H. pylori were achieved using culture and real-time PCR techniques (ureA gene expression).

Results

Out of 50 tap water samples, 3 were positive for H. pylori before enrichment and 6 were positive after enrichment by RT qPCR, while H. pylori colonies of two samples were observed on brucella agar plates.

Conclusion

The results of positive samples demonstrated the probable presence of viable H. pylori in tap water samples, showing that tap water distribution systems could be a potential route for H. pylori transmission.

Socioeconomic indices guided linear mixed-effects and meta-regression modelling of the temporal, global and regional prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in environmental waters: A class I carcinogen

Environmental waters (EW) substantially lend to the transmission of Helicobacter pylori (Hp). But the increase in Hp infections and antimicrobial resistance is often attributed to socioeconomic status. The connection between socioeconomic status and Hp prevalence in EW is however yet to be investigated. This study aimed to assess the impacts of socioeconomic indices (SI: continent, world bank region (WBR), world bank income (WBI), WHO region, Socio-demographic Index (SDI quintile), Sustainable Development Index (SuDI), and Human Development Index (HDI)) on the prevalence of Hp in EW. Hp-EW data were fitted to a generalized linear mixed-effects model and SI-guided meta-regression models with a 1000-resampling test. The worldwide prevalence of Hp in EW was 21.76% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.29-40.29], which declined significantly from 59.52% [43.28-74.37] in 1990-99 to 19.36% [3.99-58.09] in 2010-19 and with increasing trend in 2020-22 (33.33%, 22.66-45.43). Hp prevalence in EW was highest in North America (45.12%, 17.07-76.66), then Europe (22.38%, 5.96-56.74), South America (22.09%, 13.76-33.49), Asia (2.98%, 0.02-85.17), and Africa (2.56%, 0.00-99.99). It was negligibly different among sampling settings, WBI, and WHO regions demonstrating highest prevalence in rural location [42.62%, 3.07-94.56], HIEs [32.82%, 13.19-61.10], and AMR [39.43%, 19.92-63.01], respectively. However, HDI, sample size, and microbiological method robustly predict Hp prevalence in EW justifying 26.08%, 21.15%, and 16.44% of the true difference, respectively. In conclusion, Hp is highly prevalence in EW across regional/socioeconomic strata and thus challenged the uses of socioeconomic status as surrogate for hygienic/sanitary practices in estimating Hp infection prevalence.

Global and regional prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in drinking waters: A sustainable, human development and socio-demographic indices based meta-regression-modelling

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) transmission dynamics via drinking water (DW) has a far much higher direct and indirect public health disease burden than previously thought. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence of Hp in DW, distributions across regions and socioeconomic indices (continent, world bank income, Human Development Index (HDI), Sustainable Development Index (SuDI), Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) quintile, and WHO regions). Hp-DW related data mined from five databases until 10/12/2022 according to PRISMA standard were quality-appraised and fitted to a generalized linear mixed-effects model. Sub-group analysis and meta-regression-modelling coupled with a 1000-permutation test (_⁎) were conducted. The global prevalence of Hp in DW was 15.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.98-27.5), which varied significantly by sampling methods (Moore swabbing (61.0% [0.00-100.0]) vs. grab sampling (13.68%[6.99-25.04])) and detection technique (non-culture (21.35%[9.13-42.31]) vs. cultured-based methods (Psubgroup < 0.01)). The period 1990-99 had the highest prevalence (41.24% [0.02-99.97]). Regarding regional designations, Hp prevalence in DW was significantly different being highest in North America (61.82% [41.03-79.02]) by continents, AMR (42.66% [20.81-67.82]) by WHO group, high HDI (24.64% [10.98-46.43]) by HDI group and North America (61.90% [2.79-98.93]) by world bank region (Psubgroup < 0.01). Generally, sample preparation, SuDI grouping, and detection/confirmation techniques, have significant effects on the detection/prevalence of Hp in DW (Psubgroup < 0.01). Hp prevalence in DW was not significantly different among rural and urban DW (Psubgroup = 0.90), world bank income groups (Psubgroup = 0.15), and SDI quintiles (Psubgroup = 0.07). Among the predictors examined, only sample size (p < 0.1, R_∗²(coefficient of determinant) = 15.29%), continent (p_∗val = 0.04), HDI (p_∗val = 0.02), HDI group (p_∗val = 0.05), and microbiological methods (p < 0.1; R_∗²=28.09 %) predicted Hp prevalence in DW robustly. In conclusion, Hp prevalence is still endemic in DW regardless of the regional designations/improve DW supplies.

Transmission routes and patterns of helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach, can cause chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, as well as gastric cancer as a Class I carcinogen. However, the modes of H. pylori transmission are not clear. This review aims to clarify the transmission routes and patterns of H. pylori and identify efficacious prevention measures.

METHODS

Studies of H. pylori transmission were identified using PubMed, the Web of Science, and Cochrane Central; the retrieval deadline was October 2022.

RESULTS

The transmission routes of H. pylori are discussed, focusing on the five primary transmission routes, namely fecal-oral, oral-oral, gastric-oral, anal-oral, and genital-oral. We propose that H. pylori is contracted through multiple transmission routes. Additionally, we summarize the key transmission patterns of H. pylori, including person-to-person and animal-to-human transmission, as well as foodborne and occupational exposure.

CONCLUSION

Fecal-oral appears to be the most common H. pylori transmission routes. Although the oral-oral pathway is also important, the evidence does not support that this route of transmission is universal. The gastric-oral route occurs primarily in children and patients who are prone to vomiting. Meanwhile, the anal-oral and genital-oral routes remain hypothetical. Person-to-person and foodborne infections represent the predominant transmission patterns of H. pylori, whereas strong environmental and occupational limitations are associated with animal-to-human and occupational exposure.

In Vitro Incorporation of Helicobacter pylori into Candida albicans Caused by Acidic pH Stress

Yeasts can adapt to a wide range of pH fluctuations (2 to 10), while Helicobacter pylori, a facultative intracellular bacterium, can adapt to a range from pH 6 to 8. This work analyzed if H. pylori J99 can protect itself from acidic pH by entering into Candida albicans ATCC 90028. Growth curves were determined for H. pylori and C. albicans at pH 3, 4, and 7. Both microorganisms were co-incubated at the same pH values, and the presence of intra-yeast bacteria was evaluated. Intra-yeast bacteria-like bodies were detected using wet mounting, and intra-yeast binding of anti-H. pylori antibodies was detected using immunofluorescence. The presence of the H. pylori rDNA 16S gene in total DNA from yeasts was demonstrated after PCR amplification. H. pylori showed larger death percentages at pH 3 and 4 than at pH 7. On the contrary, the viability of the yeast was not affected by any of the pHs evaluated. H. pylori entered into C. albicans at all the pH values assayed but to a greater extent at unfavorable pH values (pH 3 or 4, p = 0.014 and p = 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, it is possible to suggest that H. pylori can shelter itself within C. albicans under unfavorable pH conditions.

The Puzzle of Coccoid Forms of Helicobacter pylori: Beyond Basic Science

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may enter a non-replicative, non-culturable, low metabolically active state, the so-called coccoid form, to survive in extreme environmental conditions. Since coccoid forms are not susceptible to antibiotics, they could represent a cause of therapy failure even in the absence of antibiotic resistance, i.e., relapse within one year. Furthermore, coccoid forms may colonize and infect the gastric mucosa in animal models and induce specific antibodies in animals and humans. Their detection is hard, since they are not culturable. Techniques, such as electron microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, flow cytometry and metagenomics, are promising even if current evidence is limited. Among the options for the treatment, some strategies have been suggested, such as a very high proton pump inhibitor dose, high-dose dual therapy, N-acetycysteine, linolenic acid and vonoprazan. These clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties will represent fascinating challenges in the future.

Helicobacter pylori infection: association with dietary habits and socioeconomic conditions

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have investigated factors possibly related to the source of Helicobacter pylori infection in humans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study including a population of 201 H.pylori positive patients and 259 H. pylori negative subjects observed at a tertiary referral center in Apulia. The H. pylori status was assessed by urea breath test. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and the consumption of different foods and beverages in the last year were collected by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

No significant relationship was found between H. pylori infection and gender or age, type of employment, working in direct contact with the public, residence, level of education or exposure to pets. No association between H.pylori status and the consumption of fish, fruits, legumes, honey, spices, meats, milk and milk products including some typical product of our area was found. The same was true for the consumption of several kind of beverage including green tea and wine. Cigarette smoking and living in the same house with H.pylori positive relatives were significantly associated with H. pylori positivity. The intake of uncooked seafood (mussels and other molluscs) as well as some uncooked vegetables such as tomatos,pepper,and chicory,municipal water and the number of cups of coffee consumed per week correlated significantly with H. pylori status. The consumption of raw vegetables purchased from street vendors and the consumption of meals outside home were also associated with H.pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Foods may represent an important route in the transmission of H. pylori among humans.

Colonization of Dental Unit Waterlines by Helicobacter pylori: Risk of Exposure in Dental Practices

Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) can be considered one of the possible routes of H. pylori transmission, although its presence in DUWLs has not yet been investigated thoroughly. The present study aimed to discover the prevalence of H. pylori and oral streptococci (S. oralis and S. mutans) in DUWLs to evaluate the risk of exposure to human pathogens in dental practices. We collected the output water from 60 dental chair units (DCUs) in 26 private dentistry settings in Turin, searching for H. pylori and oral streptococci (OS) DNA, with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. At the same time, dentists completed a questionnaire about their DCUs, their main activities, the presence of anti-retraction devices, their attitudes about disinfection, etc. No dental chair unit tested was contaminated with H. pylori or S. mutans; only one dental chair was contaminated with S. oralis (1.7%). Considering the results, we can state that: (i) the lack of H. pylori DNA in water samples analyzed, suggests that municipal water is presumably treated with a sufficient chlorine level to inactivate DNA over time; (ii) the aspiration of oral fluids is limited by anti-retraction valves fitted distally to hand pieces; (iii) propidium monoazide qPCR (PMA-qPCR) could be a good technique to investigate and monitor potential environmental sources of infections such as DUWLs.

Correlation among fecal indicator bacteria and physicochemical parameters with the presence of Helicobacter pylori DNA in raw and drinking water from Bogotá, Colombia

BACKGROUND

The quality of raw and drinking water is a matter of considerable concern due to the possibility of fecal contamination. To assess the quality and public health risk of different types of water, the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are used. However, some pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, may be present in water when FIB cannot be found. H pylori is recognized as the causative agent of chronic gastritis, peptic and duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships among physicochemical parameters, FIB concentrations, and the presence of H pylori DNA in raw and drinking water from Bogotá, Colombia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 310 water samples were collected 1 day per week from July 2015 to August 2016, and physicochemical parameters (pH, turbidity, conductivity, and residual free chlorine) were measured. Presence of H pylori DNA was determined and quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Fecal indicator bacteria (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and spores of sulfite-reducing Clostridia) were enumerated by using standard culture techniques.

RESULTS

Thirty of 155 (31%) raw water samples and forty-eight of 155 (38.7%) drinking water samples were positive for the presence of H pylori. No statistically significant relationships were found between physicochemical parameters or FIB with the presence or absence of H pylori in any sample (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of the presence of H pylori DNA in raw and drinking water in Bogotá, and shows that the detection and enumeration of FIB and physicochemical parameters in water do not correlate with the risk of contamination with H pylori.

Helicobacter pylori: A foodborne pathogen?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an organism that is widespread in the human population and is sometimes responsible for some of the most common chronic clinical disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract in humans, such as chronic-active gastritis, duodenal and gastric ulcer disease, low-grade B-cell mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the stomach, and gastric adenocarcinoma, which is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The routes of infection have not yet been firmly established, and different routes of transmission have been suggested, although the most commonly accepted hypothesis is that infection takes place through the faecal-oral route and that contaminated water and foods might play an important role in transmission of the microorganism to humans. Furthermore, several authors have considered H. pylori to be a foodborne pathogen because of some of its microbiological and epidemiological characteristics. H. pylori has been detected in drinking water, seawater, vegetables and foods of animal origin. H. pylori survives in complex foodstuffs such as milk, vegetables and ready-to-eat foods. This review article presents an overview of the present knowledge on the microbiological aspects in terms of phenotypic characteristics and growth requirements of H. pylori, focusing on the potential role that foodstuffs and water may play in the transmission of the pathogen to humans and the methods successfully used for the detection of this microorganism in foodstuffs and water.

An assessment of drinking water contamination with Helicobacter pylori in Lima, Peru

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori is a gut bacterium that is the primary cause of gastric cancer. H. pylori infection has been consistently associated with lack of access to sanitation and clean drinking water. In this study, we conducted time-series sampling of drinking water in Lima, Peru, to examine trends of H. pylori contamination and other water characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Drinking water samples were collected from a single faucet in Lima's Lince district 5 days per week from June 2015 to May 2016, and pH, temperature, free available chlorine, and conductivity were measured. Quantities of H. pylori in all water samples were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Relationships between the presence/absence and quantity of H. pylori and water characteristics in the 2015-2016 period were examined using regression methods accounting for the time-series design.

RESULTS

Forty-nine of 241 (20.3%) of drinking water samples were contaminated with H. pylori. Statistical analyses identified no associations between sampling date and the likelihood of contamination with H. pylori. Statistically significant relationships were found between lower temperatures and a lower likelihood of the presence of H. pylori (P < .05), as well as between higher pH and higher quantities of H. pylori (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has provided evidence of the presence of H. pylori DNA in the drinking water of a single drinking water faucet in the Lince district of Lima. However, no seasonal trends were observed. Further studies are needed to determine the presence of H. pylori in other drinking water sources in other districts in Lima, as well as to determine the viability of H. pylori in these water sources. Such studies would potentially allow for better understanding and estimates of the risk of infection due to exposure to H. pylori in drinking water.

Reduced infectivity of waterborne viable but nonculturable Helicobacter pylori strain SS1 in mice

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori infection has been consistently associated with lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation, but no studies have demonstrated that the transmission of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) H. pylori can occur from drinking contaminated water. In this study, we used a laboratory mouse model to test whether waterborne VBNCH. pylori could cause gastric infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed five mouse experiments to assess the infectivity of VBNCH. pylori in various exposure scenarios. VBNC viability was examined using Live/Dead staining and Biolog phenotype metabolism arrays. High doses of VBNCH. pylori in water were chosen to test the "worst-case" scenario for different periods of time. One experiment also investigated the infectious capabilities of VBNC SS1 using gavage. Further, immunocompromised mice were exposed to examine infectivity among potentially vulnerable groups. After exposure, mice were euthanized and their stomachs were examined for H. pylori infection using culture and PCR methodology.

RESULTS

VBNC cells were membrane intact and retained metabolic activity. Mice exposed to VBNCH. pylori via drinking water and gavage were not infected, despite the various exposure scenarios (immunocompromised, high doses) that might have permitted infection with VBNCH. pylori. The positive controls exposed to viable, culturable H. pylori did become infected.

CONCLUSIONS

While other studies that have used viable, culturable SS1 via gavage or drinking water exposures to successfully infect mice, in our study, waterborne VBNC SS1 failed to colonize mice under all test conditions. Future studies could examine different H. pylori strains in similar exposure scenarios to compare the relative infectivity of the VBNC vs the viable, culturable state, which would help inform future risk assessments of H. pylori in water.

Helicobacter pylori isolated from Iranian drinking water: vacA, cagA, iceA, oipA and babA2 genotype status and antimicrobial resistance properties

Despite the clinical importance of Helicobacter pylori in human gastric disorders, its exact route of transmission is still uncertain. Based on the contentious hypothesis and findings of previous investigations, water may play an important role in the transmission of H. pylori to humans. This study was carried out to investigate the vacA, cagA, oipA, iceA and babA2 genotype status and antimicrobial resistance properties of H. pylori strains isolated from the drinking water samples of four major provinces in Iran. A total of 400 drinking water samples were cultured and tested. H. pylori-positive strains were analyzed for the presence of various genotypes and antimicrobial resistance. Twelve of 400 (3%) water samples were positive for H. pylori. Samples from Isfahan province had the highest, while those from Shiraz had the lowest prevalence of H. pylori. The seasonal distribution was also determined, with the highest prevalence of bacteria in the summer season (7.36%). H. pylori strains harbored the highest levels of resistance against ampicillin (100%), erythromycin (75%), clarithromycin (75%), and trimethoprim (58.3%). The most commonly detected genotypes were vacAs1a (83.3%), vacAm1a (66.6%), vacAs2 (50%) and cagA (50%). The presence of similar genotypes in the H. pylori strains of drinking water and those of human clinical samples suggest that contaminated water maybe the sources of bacteria. Spiramycin and furazolidone are suggested for the treatment of cases of H. pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori in bottled mineral water: genotyping and antimicrobial resistance properties

BACKGROUND

Up to now, fecal-oral and oral-oral are the most commonly known routes for transmission of H. pylori, therefore, contaminated water can play an important role in transmission of H. pylori to humans. Genotyping using virulence markers of H. pylori is one of the best approaches to study the correlations between H. pylori isolates from different samples. The present research was carried out to study the vacA, cagA, cagE, oipA, iceA and babA2 genotyping and antimicrobial resistance properties of H. pylori isolated from the bottled mineral water samples of Iran.

RESULTS

Of 450 samples studied, 8 samples (1.77%) were contaminated with H. pylori. Brand C of bottled mineral water had the highest prevalence of H. pylori (3.63%). The bottled mineral water samples of July month had the highest levels of H. pylori-contamination (50%). H. pylori strains had the highest levels of resistance against metronidazole (62.5%), erythromycin (62.5%), clarithromycin (62.5%), amoxicillin (62.5%) and trimethoprim (62.5%). Totally, 12.5% of strains were resistant to more than 6 antibiotics. VvacAs1a (100%), vacAm1a (87.5%), cagA (62.5%), iceA1 (62.5%), oipA (25%), babA2 (25%) and cagE (37.5%) were the most commonly detected genotypes. M1as1a (62.5%), m1as2 (37.5%), m2s2 (37.5%) and S1a/cagA+/IceA2/oipA-/babA2-/cagE- (50%) were the most commonly detected combined genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Contaminated bottled mineral water maybe the sources of virulent and resistant strains H. pylori. Careful monitoring of bottled mineral water production may reduce the risk of H. pylori transmission into the human population.

Identification of factors related with Helicobacter pylori infection in adults

AIM: To identify factors related with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the adult population.

METHODS: A total of 10000 adults who underwent physical examination at our hospital from January 2008 to January 2014 were retrospectively studied. The impact of clinical data for these patients such as age, sex, lifestyle, and different endoscopic lesions on H. pylori infection was investigated.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the distribution of gender or age group in the whole population (P > 0.05). The 18-25 age group had the lowest rate of H. pylori infection, while the 46-55 age group had the highest rate. High-salt diet, eating sweet food, frequent drinking of unclean water, history of gastric disease, and family history of gastric disease were significantly associated with H. pylori infection (P < 0.05), but eating smoked food, eating raw vegetables, irregular meals and other living habits had no obvious correlation with H. pylori infection (P > 0.05). H. pylori infection rate was significantly lower in reflux esophagitis than in the normal esophagus (P < 0.05). H. pylori infection rate was significantly higher in chronic atrophic inflammation associated with acute gastritis, gastric ulcer, and chronic atrophic gastritis than in the normal gastric mucosa (P < 0.05), and in duodenal ulcer and duodenitis than in the normal duodenum (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Age and gender have a low degree of correlation with H. pylori infection in adults, while higher H. pylori infection rate is associated with bad habits and different endoscopic lesions.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori glmM gene in bovine milk using Nested polymerase chain reaction

Aim:

The aim was to detect the glmM gene of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in cow’s milk from different dairy farms in Khartoum State using Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Materials and Methods:

A total of 50 milk samples were collected from different dairy farms in Khartoum State (13 from Khartoum, 24 Khartoum North, and 13 from Omdurman Provinces).

Results:

The generated results showed that 11/50 (22%) were harboring the investigated H. pylori glmM gene in Khartoum State (1/13 [7.7%] Khartoum, 9/24 [37.5%] Khartoum North, and 1/13 [7.7%] Omdurman provinces, respectively).

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this was the first report on the detection of H. pylori glmM gene in cattle milk in Khartoum State. Nonetheless, the high percentages of H. pylori DNA detection in milk opened new avenues toward exploring the risk of human infection with H. pylori through the consumption of raw milk.

Three Tests Used to Identify Non-Culturable Form of Helicobacter pylori in Water Samples

Background:

Helicobacter pylori, causing the most common chronic bacterial infection, exist in two forms; bacilli and coccoid. The coccoid form is identified as viable but non-culturable bacteria.

Objectives:

The current study aimed to conduct culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests to identify coccoid forms of H. pylori.

Materials and Methods:

The PCR and LAMP tests were optimized using specific primers for glmM gene. The sensitivity and specificity of the tests were determined. The current experimental study was conducted on 10 different strains isolated from clinical cases (H1-H10). The isolates were added to tap water and incubated at three different temperatures for one and two months intervals. After pure-culturing of the bacteria, DNAs were extracted and PCR and LAMP were performed.

Results:

Ten copies of targeted DNA were required for PCR detection whereas only five copies gave a positive reaction by LAMP assay, with 100% specificity. Of the 10 isolates inoculated in water for one and two months at three different temperatures 4, 22, and 37°C, only three cases (5%) were found positive in the first month; 13 (21.6%) and 29 cases (48.3%) were also positive by PCR and LAMP tests in the first and second months.

Conclusions:

Results of the current study confirmed that molecular methods such as PCR and LAMP were much more sensitive, rapid, and specific than culturing to identify non-culturable coccoid forms of H. pylori in water.

Detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA in Some Egyptian Water Systems and Its Incidence of Transmission to Individuals

BACKGROUND

The current study aimed to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in some water systems in Egypt as well as in blood samples of patients suffering from stomach ulcers.

METHODS

Fifty-one water samples collected from some Egyptian governorates; Giza, Alexandria, Monofia, Beheira, Minya, Sohag, was subjected to physical and chemical analysis. Urease gene ureC, a highly specific sequence in H. pylori DNA was tracked in tested water samples and then in blood samples of patients' resident in areas with infected water supply using PCR technique. Data were all fed to the computer using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. Qualitative data were described using number and percent. Comparison between different groups regarding categorical variables was tested using Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Two samples, belonging to Abu El Matamir-Beheira, and Sidi Bishr-Alexandria, showed positive results for presence of H. pylori. These two samples gave a positive result for the second time, on applying PCR technique for the cultures isolated under microaeroplilic conditions. Blood samples (173) were withdrawn from individuals living in the two areas with infected water supply. As diagnosed by ELISA, positive tests for H. pylori were recorded in 33.3% and 33.8% of patients suffering from ulcers in Abu El Matamir-Beheira, and Sidi Bishr-Alexandria, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In developing countries such as Egypt, there is a big possibility for H. pylori to be transmitted via drinking water, hence, causing an epidemic infection, particularly in dense populated areas.

Environmental risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data

Helicobacter pylori imparts a considerable burden to public health. Infections are mainly acquired in childhood and can lead to chronic diseases, including gastric ulcers and cancer. The bacterium subsists in water, but the environment's role in transmission remains poorly understood. The nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was examined for environmental risk factors associated with H. pylori seroprevalence. Data from 1999–2000 were examined and weighted to represent the US population. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations with seropositivity. Self-reported general health condition was inversely associated with seropositivity. Of participants aged <20 years, seropositivity was significantly associated with having a well as the source of home tap water (aOR 1·7, 95% CI 1·1–2·6) and living in a more crowded home (aOR 2·3, 95% CI 1·5–3·7). Of adults aged ⩾20 years, seropositivity was not associated with well water or crowded living conditions, but adults in soil-related occupations had significantly higher odds of seropositivity compared to those in non-soil-related occupations (aOR 1·9, 95% CI 1·2–2·9). Exposures to both well water and occupationally related soil increased the effect size of adults' odds of seropositivity compared to non-exposed adults (aOR 2·7, 95% CI 1·3-5·6). Environmental exposures (well-water usage and occupational contact with soil) play a role in H. pylori transmission. A disproportionate burden of infection is associated with poor health and crowded living conditions, but risks vary by age and race/ethnicity. These findings could help inform interventions to reduce the burden of infections in the United States.

Biofilm and Helicobacter pylori: From environment to human host

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram negative pathogen that selectively colonizes the human gastric epithelium. Over 50% of the world population is infected with H. pylori reaching up to 90% of infected individuals in developing countries. Nonetheless the increased impact upon public health care, its reservoir and the transmission pathway of the species has not been clearly established yet. Molecular studies allowed the detection of H. pylori in various aquatic environments, even forming biofilm in tap water distribution systems in several countries, suggesting a role of water as a possible reservoir of the pathogen. The persistence of human infection with H. pylori and the resistance of clinical isolates to commonly used antibiotics in eradication therapy have been related to the genetic variability of the species and its ability to develop biofilm, demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Thus, during the last years, experimental work with this pathogen has been focused in the search for biofilm inhibitors and biofilm destabilizing agents. However, only two anti- H. pylori biofilm disrupting agents have been successfully used: Curcumin - a natural dye - and N-acetyl cysteine - a mucolytic agent used in respiratory diseases. The main goal of this review was to discuss the evidences available in the literature supporting the ability of H. pylori to form biofilm upon various surfaces in aquatic environments, both in vivo and in vitro. The results published and our own observations suggest that the ability of H. pylori to form biofilm may be important for surviving under stress conditions or in the spread of the infection among humans, mainly through natural water sources and water distribution systems.

Helicobacter pylori: A chameleon-like approach to life

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is widely adaptable for colonization in human stomachs in more than half of the world’s population. The microorganism is characterized by an unusual capability of arranging itself in both genotypic and phenotypic ways. Stressing conditions, including antimicrobial agents in sub-inhibitory concentrations, facilitate entering the viable but nonculturable state in which bacterial cells acquire the coccoid form. This morphotype represents an important strategy for bacterial survival in unsuitable conditions and also allows escape from the immune system. H. pylori is capable of forming biofilm outside and inside the host. For the bacterial population, the sessile growth mode represents an ideal environment for gene rearrangement, as it allows the acquiring of important tools aimed to improve bacterial “fitness” and species preservation. Biofilm formation in H. pylori in the human host also leads to recalcitrance to antibiotic treatment, thus hampering eradication. These lifestyle changes of H. pylori allow for a “safe haven” for its survival and persistence according to different ecological niches, and strongly emphasize the need for careful H. pylori surveillance to improve management of the infection.

Diagnosis and epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection

A limited amount of new information was published in the field of diagnosis and epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori this last year. Besides some improvement in current tests, it is interesting to note the attempts to identify severe disease, for example gastric cancer, by breath analysis using nanomaterial-based sensors. In contrast, the predictive value for gastric cancer and atrophy of pepsinogen determinations was found inadequate. Prevalence studies of H. pylori infection have been carried out in adults and children around the world in the general population but also in specific communities. The usual risk factors were found. In addition, a Japanese study highlighted the role of grandmothers in the familial transmission of H. pylori. A study showed that the infection may not always readily establish itself in children, given the number of transient infections observed. It was also noted that after eradication, a first-year relapse is likely to be a recurrence of the previous infection, while later on it is probably a reinfection with a new strain.

Contaminated water as a source of Helicobacter pylori infection: A review

Over the preceding years and to date, the definitive mode of human infection by Helicobacter pylori has remained largely unknown and has thus gained the interest of researchers around the world. Numerous studies investigated possible sources of transmission of this emerging carcinogenic pathogen that colonizes >50% of humans, in many of which contaminated water is mentioned as a major cause. The infection rate is especially higher in developing countries, where contaminated water, combined with social hardships and poor sanitary conditions, plays a key role. Judging from the growing global population and the changing climate, the rate is expected to rise. Here, we sum up the current views of the water transmission hypothesis, and we discuss its implications.