Helicobacter species and common gut bacterial DNA in gallbladder with cholecystitis

AIM:To analyze the association between Helicobacter spp. and some common gut bacteria in patients with cholecystitis. METHODS:A nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), specif ic to 16S rRNA of Helicobacter spp. was performed on paraff in-embedded gallbladder samples of 100 cholecystitis and 102 control cases. The samples were also analyzed for some common gut bacteria by PCR. Positive samples were sequenced for species identif ication. RESULTS: Helicobacter DNA was found in seven out of 100 cases of acute and chronic cholecystitis. Sequence analysis displayed Helicobacter pullorum (H. pullorum) in six cases and Helicobacter pylori in one; H. pullorum was only found in cases with metaplasia. Control sam-ples were negative for Helicobacter spp. and some common gut bacteria. There was a signif icant difference (P=0.007) between cholecystitis and control samples for Helicobacter DNA.CONCLUSION:A possible relationship was detected between Helicobacter DNA and cholecystitis. Further serological and immunohistochemical studies are needed to support these data.

Helicobacter species and gut bacterial DNA in Meckel's diverticulum and the appendix

AIM:To analyse the possible association of various Helicobacter species and certain common gut bacteria in patients with Meckel's diverticulum and appendicitis.METHODS:A nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR),specific to 16S rRNA of the Helicobacter genus,was performed on paraffin embedded samples,50 with acute appendicitis,50 normal appendixes,and 33 Meckel's diverticulum with gastric heterotopia and/or ulcer.Helicobacter genus positive samples were sequenced for species identification.All samples were also analysed for certain gut bacteria by PCR.RESULTS:Helicobacter pullorum DNA was found in one out of 33 cases and Enterobacteria in two cases of Meckel's diverticulum.Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) was found in three,Enterobacter in 18,and Bacteroides in 19 out of 100 appendix samples by PCR.Enterococcus was not found in any MD or appendix samples.All H.pylori positive cases were from normal appendixes.CONCLUSION:Helicobacter is not an etiological agent in the pathogenesis of symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum or in acute appendicitis.