Molecular detection of Helicobacter pylori in oral samples from patients suffering digestive pathologies

Abstract

Objective: to determine the simultaneous presence of H. pylori in both the oral cavity and gastric mucosal in patients suffering digestive pathologies and to establish the possible association between the presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity and the gingivoperiodontal pathology. Study design: Patients with gastric symptoms (case group) and asymptomatic patients (control group) seen at the Gastroenterology Department of Dr. Julio C. Perrando Hospital (Resistencia, Argentina) were selected. Dental plaque and saliva samples from both groups were obtained. In the case group, gastric biopsy samples were also taken. H. pylori was detected in gastric biopsies by histological stains, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was carried out on the oral samples. Results: Among the 98 patients (43 cases and 55 controls), 196 oral samples (saliva 98, dental plaque 98) and 43 gastric biopsias were obtained. H. pylori was detected in oral samples in 18/98 patients, in gastric biopsies in 38/43 patients, and in both samples in 15/43 patients. Conclusions: The presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity of patients suffering digestive pathologies is more frequent in those patients harbouring a gingivoperiodontal disease, and this fact could represent an obstacle for the eradication of the bacterium. At the same time, it could constitute a risk factor for gastrointestinal reinfection after treatment.

vacA genotypes in oral cavity and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity among adults without dyspepsia

“…H. pylori is believed to be transmitted from person to person through the oral cavity. The hypothesis that the mouth is a reservoir for H. pylori and a potential source of gastric infection is strengthened by several reports of H. pylori DNA in the saliva and dental plaque (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). Among the techniques to detect H. pylori in the oral cavity, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has demonstrated to be specific and sensible, that is why it is considered the method of choice to detect DNA from H. pylori in the oral cavity (2,4,10).…”

“…The transmission mechanism is not well established but infected saliva or food contamination seems to be most probable (2). The H. pylori DNA has been detected in saliva and dental plaque from patients with gastroduodenal pathology (3)(4)(5)(6)(7). This fact strengthens the hypothesis that the oral cavity is a reservoir for H. pylori, it could be the source for gastric infection and re-infection post therapy as well as person-to-person transmission (3).…”

“…This fact strengthens the hypothesis that the oral cavity is a reservoir for H. pylori, it could be the source for gastric infection and re-infection post therapy as well as person-to-person transmission (3). Nevertheless, the role H. pylori plays in the oral cavity is controversial since the detection rate of the bacterium in the mouth is 0% to 100% (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). Gastroesophagic reflux, deficient oral hygiene and frequent vomiting are conditions that may facilitate oral colonization and also the environment and life-style could be decisive for H. pylori infection (4).…”

“…Nevertheless, the role H. pylori plays in the oral cavity is controversial since the detection rate of the bacterium in the mouth is 0% to 100% (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). Gastroesophagic reflux, deficient oral hygiene and frequent vomiting are conditions that may facilitate oral colonization and also the environment and life-style could be decisive for H. pylori infection (4). Only a few of the persons infected develop gastric disease and this event is related to the expression of virulence genes vacA and cagA.…”

Oral Cavity and Systemic Diseases—Helicobacter Pyloriand Dentistry

“…it is of a great importance that oral H. pylori might cause gastric reinfection even after the eradication therapy (2,8,20).…”