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Rapid Detection of Fecal Antigen of Helicobacter pylori Infection Based on Double Antibody Sandwich Detection Technology
Published on: May 23, 2025
Intrafamilial transmission of Helicobacter pylori: genotyping of faecal samples
Setareh Mamishi1,2, Hamid Eshaghi1, Shima Mahmoudi2
1a Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
Insights
Mother-to-child transmission is the primary route for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) within families in Iran. Molecular typing helps identify high-risk populations for H. pylori infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) transmission routes remain poorly understood despite extensive research.
- Intrafamilial transmission of H. pylori, particularly in children, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intrafamilial transmission patterns of H. pylori.
- To identify the primary source of H. pylori infection in children within families.
Main Methods:
- Studied children (up to 15 years) and their parents for H. pylori infection.
- Utilized non-invasive tests: urea breath test, immunoassay for antibodies, and fecal antigen detection.
- Employed random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) for genotyping H. pylori strains to assess genetic similarity.
Main Results:
- Genotyping revealed H. pylori genotype similarity between children and mothers in 33.3% of families, and with fathers in 6.7%.
- Children with similar H. pylori genotypes to their mothers exhibited higher IgA and IgM antibody titers.
- These children also showed lower IgG antibody titers compared to those without fecal H. pylori or no genetic similarity to parents.
Conclusions:
- Mother-to-child transmission is identified as the predominant route of H. pylori intrafamilial spread in Iranian families.
- Molecular typing of H. pylori strains is a valuable tool for identifying individuals at high risk of infection.
Background:
After more than 20 years of research, there is a little information about the detailed routes of Helicobacter pylori transmission. The aim of this study was to explore intrafamilial transmission of H. pylori in children who had indication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and their parents.
Methods:
Children (aged up to 15 years) were studied during September 2012 to October 2013. The parents of those with positive urea breath test results were asked to provide faecal and blood samples after giving informed consent. Non-invasive tests such as immunoassay for serological antibodies against H. pylori and detection of its antigen in faeces were measured. The genetic similarity of the family strains was investigated by the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) genotyping method.
Results:
According to the genotyping results of 30 families, in 10 (33.3%) children related H. pylori genotypes to their mothers were found, while only 2 children (6.7%) had similar genotypes to their fathers. Interestingly, children with similar H. pylori genotype with their mothers had higher IgA (35.7 ± 10.8) and IgM antibody titres (87.23 ± 19.15) than other children. In addition, in these children, lower titres of IgG antibodies (9.93 ± 3.31) were found rather than children who had no H. pylori in their faeces or had no similarities with their parents (30.28 ± 6.15).
Conclusions:
In conclusion, mother-to-child transmission is the main route of intrafamilial transmission of H. pylori in Iranian families. Molecular typing of H. pylori can be useful in identifying a high-risk population.
