Detection of vacA and cagA genes of Helicobacter pylori in irrigation and drinking water

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection causes gastrointestinal clinical pictures with mild and serious symptoms, which may contribute to the causality of stomach cancer. The prevention of transmission is the most important thing for this must know the exact mechanism and reservoir of this pathogen. The objective of the study was to molecularly detect the genes vacA and cagA of Helicobacter pylori in irrigation water and drinking water isolates collected in the El Astillero Sub-committee of the Zapotitán Irrigation District, municipality of Ciudad Arce in the department of La Libertad. During the months of May 2019 to December 2020. Samples were examined by membrane filtration, using selective culture media to isolate the bacteria, biochemical tests (oxidase, catalase and urease), DNA extraction, end point polymerase chain reaction and antibiogram by the method of kirby bahuer. Samples of drinking water at the isolation stage were negative. For irrigation waters, 20% were positive in the enrichment stage so it was confirmed with biochemical tests and PCR final point for which it was obtained that 100% of the isolated strains are carriers of the genes vacA and cagA. The antibiogram performed showed a sensitivity to claratromicin and levofloxacin; and resistance to Amoxicillin and Metronidazole, traditional antibiotics used in the treatment of infection of this bacterium. Suggesting that irrigation water is a potential transmission pathway.