Detection of Helicobacter pylori using PCR in dental plaqueof patients with and without gastritis

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) accounts for gastritis, peptic ulcer and is a probable cause of gastriccancer. Since its detection in the oral cavity, concerns have been raised about dental plaque as a reservoir for reinfection.The aim of this study was to detect the organism in the dental plaque and to determine the association, ifany, between H. pylori gastritis and dental plaque contamination causing H. pylori. Study design: A polymerasechain reaction-based method was used for detection of H. pylori in clinical specimens. Supra and subgingivalsamples were collected from 67 patients with chronic periodontitis, 23 of whom were also suffering from gastritis.The data were analyzed with Chi square and Fisher exact test and the statistical significance was set to 0.05.Results: H. pylori was scarce in patients with periodontitis(5.9%). There was a significant association between thepresence of H. pylori in the dental plaque and gastritis (p=0.012). Conclusions: Although rarely seen, H. pyloriinfected dental plaque may be a source for reinfection. It is therefore suggested that professional plaque removaland oral hygiene procedures be performed, along with the antibiotic treatment of H. pylori (AU)

RESUMEN

No disponible