Helicobacter pylori virulence dupA gene: risk factor or protective factor?

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori is a key cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer.
• The dupA gene in H. pylori is linked to gastroduodenal diseases, but its role as a risk or protective factor is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect the dupA gene in H. pylori strains from Brazilian patients.
• To investigate the association between dupA-positive H. pylori and clinical outcomes in dyspepsia patients.
• To determine the phylogenetic origin of the H. pylori strains.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of gastric biopsies from 117 dyspepsia patients using histological and molecular methods.
• Screening for H. pylori infection using the hpx gene (16S rRNA).
• Detection and sequencing of the dupA gene in positive H. pylori samples.

Main Results:

• H. pylori infection prevalence was 64.1% among patients.
• The dupA gene was found in 70.7% of the infectious H. pylori strains.
• A twofold increased risk of gastritis was observed in women with dupA-positive H. pylori infection.
• Partial dupA sequences showed similarity to strains from Western countries.

Conclusions:

• The study confirmed the presence of dupA in Brazilian H. pylori strains.
• A significant association between dupA-positive H. pylori and increased gastritis risk in women was identified.
• These findings contribute to understanding the role of H. pylori dupA in disease pathogenesis.