Distribution characteristics of the sabA, hofC, homA, homB and frpB-4 genes of Helicobacter pylori in different regions of China

Abstract

Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) encodes numerous outer membrane proteins (OMPs), with considerable geographic heterogeneity and related to different clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the distribution characteristics of five important OMP genes (sabA, hofC, homA, homB and frpB-4) in different regions of China. Materials and method A total of 266 strains were isolated from 348 stomach biopsy specimens in Shandong, Guangxi, Heilongjiang, Hunan, and Qinghai provinces. The presence of sabA, hofC, homA, homB and frpB-4 gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from H. pylori genomic DNA. Results Among the strains in five regions, the prevalence of frpB-4 was 100% and that of hofC was 97.7%. The prevalence of homB in the isolates from Qinghai (45.5%) was significantly lower than that in Shandong (75.3%), Guangxi (76.9%) and Hunan (69.6%) (P<0.05). The frequency of homA in Shandong (30.1%) was significantly lower than in Guangxi (57.7%) and Qinghai (63.6%) (P<0.05). The prevalence of the sabA gene in Shandong, Guangxi, Heilongjiang, Hunan and Qinghai provinces was 21.9%, 59.7%, 45.9%, 52.2%, and 18.2%, respectively (P<0.05). The sabA “on” status was significantly more frequent in isolates from Guangxi (46.8%), Heilongjiang (37.8%), and Hunan (47.8%) than Qinghai (3.0%) (P<0.05). The presence of homA and sabA genes may be negatively correlated with the development of gastritis. There was no significant association between the frpB-4, hofC, homB gene and clinical outcomes. Conclusion The prevalence of homA, homB, and sabA genes and the sabA “on” or “off” status have significant geographical differences among five provinces in China. The presence of homA and sabA genes may be protective factors of gastritis.

Clinical relevance and distribution of Helicobacter pylori virulence factors in isolates from Chinese patients

“…The homA and homB gene profiles vary greatly based on the geographic origin of the strains ( 45 , 46 ). Previous studies have shown that homB is found more frequently than homA in East Asian strains ( 19 , 30 ).…”

The association between periodontal diseases and helicobacter pylori: an updated meta-analysis of observational studies

“…H. Pylori is estimated to affect about half of the world’s population and is considered a major cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers. Eradication of H. Pylori infection improves wound healing, prevents recurrence, and reduces the incidence of H. Pylori -related gastric diseases [ 2 – 4 ]. According to previous studies, this bacterium is a risk factor for some oral diseases, such as periodontal diseases (PDs), canker sores, squamous cell carcinoma, tongue irritation and bad breath [ 1 , 5 ].…”