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One-step Negative Chromatographic Purification of Helicobacter pylori Neutrophil-activating Protein Overexpressed in Escherichia coli in Batch Mode
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Role of Helicobacter pylori in pathogenesis of upper respiratory system diseases

Hanifi Kurtaran1, Mehtap Erkmen Uyar, Benan Kasapoglu

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fatih University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey. hanifikurtaran@yahoo.com

Journal of the National Medical Association
|October 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) transmission routes remain unclear, though oral and fecal pathways are suspected. This common infection, often acquired in childhood, can persist lifelong, with the oral cavity potentially serving as a reservoir.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a prevalent microorganism in the aerodigestive tract.
  • The exact transmission routes of H. pylori infections are not fully understood.
  • While the stomach was considered the sole reservoir, H. pylori has been detected in oral and nasopharyngeal tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore potential transmission routes of H. pylori.
  • To investigate the role of the oral cavity and nasopharyngeal region in H. pylori infection.
  • To understand the potential link between H. pylori colonization and associated diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on H. pylori transmission.
  • Analysis of studies identifying H. pylori in various human tissues, including oral and nasopharyngeal sites.
  • Exploration of proposed mechanisms for H. pylori migration within the aerodigestive tract.

Main Results:

  • Possible transmission routes include oral-oral, fecal-oral, and gastrointestinal-oral.
  • H. pylori has been found in dental plaque, saliva, tonsils, and adenoid tissue, suggesting oral colonization.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux may facilitate H. pylori entry into the nasopharyngeal cavity, potentially leading to infections like otitis and sinusitis.

Conclusions:

  • The oral cavity and nasopharyngeal tissues may serve as reservoirs for H. pylori.
  • H. pylori colonization in these areas could be linked to upper respiratory and ear infections.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of H. pylori transmission and its role in extra-gastric diseases.

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