Determination of risk factors and transmission pathways of Helicobacter pylori in asymptomatic subjects in Western India using polymerase chain reaction

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the salivary samples of asymptomatic subjects, the possible route of transmission and role of hygeine in dissemination of H. pylori using polymerase chain reaction.MethodsSalivary samples of 1 500 asymptomatic subjects were involved to determine the prevalence of H. pylori. DNA was extracted from the samples using phenol chloroform, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide method and the DNA template was used to amplify H. pylori specific genes, 16s rRNA and HSP 60 using H. pylori specific primers. Clean water index (CWI), crowding index and information regarding hygeine were recorded using suitable questionnaires in local language.ResultsThe prevalence of infection in male and female subjects was found to be equal to 75.96% and 88.10% respectively. The prevalence in age groups of (20–29), (30–39), (40–49), (50–59) and (60–69) was found to be equal to 80.76%, 81.47%, 74.50%, 86.58 and 80.95% respectively. The prevalence of infection in the subjects using processed and unprocessed water for drinking was found to be equal to 30% and 89.5% respectively. The prevalence of infection in the subjects who belong to low, medium or high CWI status was found to be equal to 26.20%, 65.62% and 86.13% respectively. The prevalence of infection in the subjects who belong to high, medium and low crowding index status was found to be equal to 88.83%, 82.48% and 69.63 % respectively. The prevalence of H. pylori was significant in the subjects using unprocessed water, having outdoor sanitation practices, belonging to low CWI and high crowding index (P < 0.0 001).ConclusionsH. pylori transmission is associated with consumption of unprocessed water, low CWI, outdoor sanitation practices and high crowding index.