Helicobacter pylori in human oral cavity and stomach

Abstract

The oral cavity has been suspected as an extra-gastroduodenal reservoir for Helicobacter pylori infection and transmission, but conflicting evidence exists regarding the occurrence of H. pylori in the mouth, independently of stomach colonization. Ninety-four gastric biopsy patients were analysed for the concurrent presence of H. pylori in the mouth and stomach. Samples were collected from different areas within the mouth and H. pylori DNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and verified by sequencing. Helicobacter pylori-specific serology was performed, and stomach colonization was determined by culture. In addition, relevant dental and periodontal parameters, as well as general health parameters, were recorded. Helicobacter pylori was found in the stomach of 29 patients and in the oral cavity of 16 patients. In only six patients was the bacterium detected simultaneously in the stomach and mouth. Notably, the 10 patients in whom the bacterium was found solely in the mouth did not have serum antibodies to H. pylori. The occurrence of H. pylori in the mouth was found to be correlated neither to any general or oral health parameters, nor to any particular site of collection. This study shows that H. pylori can occur in the oral cavity independently of stomach colonization.

Comparación de Helicobacter pylori en cavidad oral y mucosa gástrica de acuerdo a genotipo de virulencia (cagA y vacAm 1)

“…Varios estudios han demostrado la presencia de H. pylori simultáneamente en cavidad oral y mucosa gástrica, mostrando diferentes prevalencias, dependiendo de la población estudiada, la selección de la muestra y técnicas de detección de la bacteria [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33]40 . Mapstone 41 , demostró que la presencia de H. pylori en la boca de pacientes dispépticos es importante para su diseminación y considera la cavidad oral una potencial fuente de reinfección luego de la erradicación del microorganismo del estómago.…”

“…Algunos autores han encontrado una asociación entre la presencia de H. pylori en mucosa gástrica y oral [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] . En una investigación previa realizada por nuestro grupo, se observó la co-existencia de la bacteria en ambas localizaciones mediante RPC en tiempo real (RPC-TR) 34 .…”

Lack of Association Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Oral Lichen Planus

“…However based on some evidence oral cavity can be considered a reservoir for H. pylori in non-dyspeptic individuals, some researchers believe in temporary presence of H. pylori in such situation (Martinez-Gomis et al, 2006;Burgers et al, 2008). Other researchers believe that non-infectious H. pylori might exist in the oral cavity which is just able to form colonies and invade tissues under special conditions such as concomitant infections (Martinez-Gomis et al, 2006).…”

Helicobacter pylori – Not Only a Gastric Pathogene?

“…Identical strains have been found in gastric mucosa and oral cavity. The first comparison of gastric and oral H. pylori strains using PCR genotyping performed Wang et al (2002) and, consequently, Burgers et al (2008). Different genotypes in the stomach and oral cavity were found in both studies.…”

“…Different genotypes in the stomach and oral cavity were found in both studies. PCR assays used by these authors could be considered more accurate Burgers et al (2008), who report that only 38% of persons with demonstrated presence of H. pylori in the oral cavity also had the infection in the stomach. These authors also reported the finding of 10 cases with positive H. pylori in saliva, with no detectable specific anti-H. pylori antibodies in serum.…”