Value of PCR technique in detection of Helicobacter pylori in paraffin-embedded material

Methods which permit effective detection of Helicobacter prlori are based on endoscopic sampling of gastric mucosa followed by a direct or indirect demonstration of Helicobacter pylori bacilli, e.g. searching for specific proteins or gene fragments. PCR technique represents one of techniques employed for diagnosing the biopsies. The present study was aimed at examining how effective is the detection of Helicobacter pylori in paraffin-embedded material by PCR technique using primers for the Ure C gene fragment. The material for studies involved gastric biopsies, routinely fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. In order to perform PCR, DNA was isolated and purified, subjected to amplification with the use of starters for the Ure C gene fragment. The performed experiments have confirmed suitability of PCR technique for detection of Helicobacter pylori.