Review article: Deoxyribonucleic acid-based diagnostic techniques to detect Helicobacter pylori

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori is a significant pathogen linked to various gastrointestinal diseases, including gastritis, gastric lymphoma, and adenocarcinoma.
• Accurate diagnosis of H. pylori infection is crucial for effective patient management and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based diagnostic assays for Helicobacter pylori detection.
• To explore various molecular techniques and their applications in identifying H. pylori and its virulence factors.

Main Methods:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays utilizing bacterial DNA or RNA from various sample types (gastric biopsy, juice, stool, buccal swabs).
• Real-time PCR for quantitative analysis of H. pylori infection.
• Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for antibiotic resistance determination.
• Oligonucleotide microarrays for identifying bacterial DNA and virulence factors.

Main Results:

• DNA-based assays demonstrate high specificity in identifying H. pylori DNA.
• PCR offers quantitative and genotyping results with near 100% sensitivity and specificity.
• Real-time PCR is emerging for precise quantification of H. pylori.
• FISH is recommended for routine antibiotic resistance testing.
• Microarrays can identify bacterial DNA and virulence factors.

Conclusions:

• DNA-based diagnostics for H. pylori provide superior sensitivity compared to traditional methods.
• While sensitive, the specificity of DNA-based methods requires controlled laboratory environments and can incur higher costs.
• Advanced molecular techniques are enhancing the accuracy and scope of H. pylori diagnostics.