Detection of H. pylori infection and cagA strains seropositivity in adult dyspeptic patients in east Azerbaijan, northwest of Iran

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) bacteria colonize human stomach mucosa and may establish acute or chronic gastric inflammation. Cytotoxic-associated gene A (cag A) is associated with higher grades of gastric inflammation and carcinoma. In the present study we determine cag A seropositive strain in dyspeptic patients with H. pylori infection. Patients and methods: Six hundred adult dyspeptic patients examined for anti H. Pylori and anti-cag A antibodies by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) method. All cases resided in east Azarbijan in northwest of Iran and were enrolled in a 5-year period (2003-2008). Results: A total of 85.5% of dyspeptic patients were positive for H. pylori infection. Anti-cag A antibody was detected in 35.6% of patients with H. pylori infection. Conclusion: Screening of H. pylori infection by ELISA method revealed that the vast majority of (85.5%) dyspeptic patients are seropositive for H. pylori. Determining of photogenic strains of H. pylori by anti-cag A antibody could be diagnostic in severe gastric infections. é 2010 IDTMRC, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center.