Pathogenic and Genetic Characteristics of Helicobacter Pylori, and its Relationship with Drug-Resistance

Genotypes and drug resistance for H. pylori

Abstract

Objective: The study identifies epidemiological characteristics of them at the genotype level to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections in pediatric patients with dyspeptic complaints and to highlight the distribution of virulence factors, the significance of intrafamilial transmission, as well as resistance to macrolide and quinolone group antibiotics.

Material and Methods: The study comprised 110 patients with dyspeptic complaints who were admitted to our hospital between January 13, 2015, and December 31, 2016. Through histopathology, culture, and glmM-PCR techniques, H. pylori was looked for. The vacA, cagA, and cagE genes were determined in the patients whose PCR results were positive.

Results: H. pylori strains and clinical results were not found to be significantly correlated in the study. Both the genetic variants A2142G and A2143G were discovered to be present in the individuals. Eight patients had clarithromycin resistance (34.7%). All patients with a positive A2142G mutation and 55% of patients with a positive A2143G mutation were found to have clarithromycin resistance. Levofloxacin resistance was present in just one (4.3%) of the patients who could produce H. pylori in the culture.

Conclusion: Approximately 1/3 of the children with dyspeptic complaints were found to be positive for H. pylori infection. The most common genotype was observed to be vacAs2. Even having at least one of the genetic mutations A2142G and A2143G carries the potential for antibiotic resistance. High resistance was found against clarithromycin in the standard triple therapy regimen used in children in the treatment of H. pylori infection.