ABSTRACT
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are gram negative bacteria that are strongly associated with gastro-duodenal disorders and some extra-intestinal manifestations, such as chronic bacterial infection. Dental plaque has been implicated as possible reservoir for H. pylori in individuals with and without gastric or duodenal disorders. Early detection and management of H. pylori can effectively reduce the prevalence of their pathologic effects and frequency of transmission. Non-invasive and inexpensive methods for detection of H. pylori can be used for screening of those at risk in the population. The major objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of H. pylori in saliva and plasma samples of residents in the National Capital District, Papua New Guinea. Subjects for this prospective cross-section study were selected from patients and their relatives attending dental clinics in Port Moresby General Hospital and St John’s Hospital Gerehu. Saliva and blood samples were collected from randomly selected subjects after obtaining their signed informed consent. Solid phase Enzyme-Immuno-Assay (EIA) commercial kits were used for the estimation of IgG antibodies against H. pylori in human saliva and plasma. The guidelines and cut-off index indicated by the manufacture of the EIA kits were used for interpretation of the data. The results indicated that of the 204 saliva samples 183 (89.7%) were negative, 15 (7.4%) were equivocal and 6 (2.9%) were positive for H. pylori IgG. Subjects in the 40 – 49yrs age group had the highest positive (2.0%) prevalence for H. pylori IgG. Results obtained for 44 plasma samples collected, indicated that 19 (43.2%) were negative, 11 (25.0%) were equivocal and 14 (31.8%) were positive for H. pylori IgG. Comparison of the data indicated statistically significant difference (p = 0.01) between the results obtained for the plasma and corresponding saliva samples. A statistically significant positive linear correlation was obtained between the H. pylori IgG in saliva and plasma samples (Spearman ρ = 0.514, p = 0.01). The results indicated higher sensitivity of EIA in detecting H. pylori IgG in plasma compared to saliva samples.