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Detection of Helicobacter ganmani-like 16S rDNA in pediatric liver tissue
Vasundhara Tolia1, Hans-Olof Nilsson, Kimberly Boyer
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI, 48201 USA. vtolia@med.wayne.edu
Background:
To determine the presence of Helicobacter species in the liver biopsy specimens from children with various chronic liver diseases as data in adult literature suggests a possible role of these bacteria in their pathogenesis.
Materials And Methods:
Paraffin sections of 61 liver biopsies of pediatric patients with miscellaneous diseases and autopsy liver tissue from 10 control subjects with no evidence of preexisting liver disease were examined for the presence of Helicobacter species by a genus-specific seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. PCR-products of positive samples were further characterized by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and DNA-sequence analysis. Based on those results, a seminested PCR assay for H. ganmani was developed and applied to the samples.
Results:
On analysis, 40/61 patient samples were positive in the genus-specific Helicobacter PCR and 4/10 from the control group. The nucleotide sequences of 16S rDNA fragments were 99-100% similar to mainly Helicobacter sp. 'liver' and H. ganmani. PCR-products similar to H. canis and H. bilis were also found. The 16S rDNAs of control specimens showed similarity to Helicobacter sp. 'liver'. In the H. ganmani-specific PCR analysis 19 patients, but none of the controls, were positive.
Conclusions:
Amplified Helicobacter 16S rDNAs were related to Helicobacter sp. 'liver' or H. ganmani in liver biopsy specimens of pediatric patients. The possible significance of Helicobacter species in pediatric liver diseases needs to be evaluated further in prospective studies.
Insights
Helicobacter species, including H. ganmani, were detected in pediatric liver biopsies, suggesting a potential role in chronic liver disease. Further research is needed to confirm their significance in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Adult studies suggest Helicobacter species may contribute to liver disease pathogenesis.
- Limited data exists on Helicobacter species in pediatric chronic liver diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Helicobacter species in pediatric liver biopsy specimens.
- To explore the potential role of these bacteria in pediatric liver disease.
Main Methods:
- Genus-specific seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on 61 pediatric liver biopsies and 10 controls.
- Characterization of PCR products using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and DNA sequencing.
- Development and application of a specific PCR assay for H. ganmani.
Main Results:
- Helicobacter species were detected in 40/61 pediatric patients and 4/10 controls.
- Sequences were primarily similar to Helicobacter sp. 'liver' and H. ganmani.
- H. ganmani was identified in 19 pediatric patients but not in controls.
Conclusions:
- Helicobacter 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) related to H. sp. 'liver' and H. ganmani were found in pediatric liver biopsies.
- The role of Helicobacter species in pediatric liver diseases requires further investigation.
- Prospective studies are recommended to evaluate the significance of these findings.
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