PCR-detection of Helicobacter pylori from oral mucosa: A feasible early diagnostic tool

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can infect the human gut, and its cagA+ strains are associated with local pathologies, such as ulceration and gastric cancer. The prevalence of H. pylori is 44.3 %, with developing countries reporting a higher prevalence. Subjects with H. pylori, although asymptomatic, will undoubtedly establish gastric inflammation, predisposing them to develop ulcers, MALT (Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma, and adenocarcinomas in the gastrointestinal system. H. pylori is detected in the oral microbiome because treatments for gastric infections often fail and are less effective in oral H. pylori-positive individuals. Gastric mucosa re-colonization and consequent re-infection could happen from the mouth. There is a higher prevalence of H. pylori from dental plaque in subjects with periodontitis, and efficiency rates of H. pylori eradication therapy are significantly lower in patients with periodontitis. Recently, a “random” microbiome has been described in periodontal disease pockets that could not be reachable by topical antimicrobial treatment or systemic antibiotics, which could explain the high recurrence and prevalence of the disease.