Histopathological grading and PCR-based detection of Helicobacter pylori in symptomatic gastric patients

Aims: Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped, Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that causes gastrointestinal infections.This study aimed to assess various histopathological grades of H. pylori gastric diseases and to confirm its status in symptomatic patients using a PCR and histopathology approach.Methodology and results: A total of 38 biopsy samples were collected from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, during 2017-2018.Helicobacter pylori presence was checked by processing gastric biopsies for rapid urease test (RUT), histopathology, and finally through PCR to detect the 16S rRNA gene.Growth characteristics were observed on Columbia blood agar.Histopathological grade analysis further confirmed the stage of infection.A Chisquare test was used to determine any statistical significance of the data.Out of the total 38 samples, 19 were found positive for H. pylori using RUT, while 22 were positive through PCR.Histopathological grading study of 38 samples, 21 (55.26%)samples were positive for H. pylori load, while 8 samples were positive for neutrophilic infiltration.Mononuclear filtration was observed in 20 (52.63%), with mild 26.31%, moderate 18.42%, and 7.89% marked.Inflammation was observed in 21 (55.26%), with 23.68% in mild and moderate respectively.By studying different types of complications and their relationship with the presence or absence of H. pylori, it was found significant (0.005) that the presence of H. pylori can lead to severe vomiting conditions followed by bloating, duodenitis, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Helicobacter pylori are responsible for major gastric problems, and PCR is the gold standard for diagnosis.