Objective: Seroprevalence of
Helicobacter pylori
infection in Iran exceeds 65% of pediatric population. In this study, we
intended to find association between the virulence genes (
cagA and
vacA) and clinical presentations.
Methods: H. pylori isolates were achieved from the gastric mucosa of children. In each case, the gastric biopsy
specimens were cultured and the organisms identified. Detection of different genotypes was carried out by
PCR method.
Findings: A total of 106 biopsy specimens were cultured and 33
H. pylori isolates obtained. Among these 33
H. pylori strains 24 (73%) were
cagA-positive. Genotypes of
vacA s1m2, s1m1, s2m2, and s2m1 were 45.5%,
30.3%, 21.2%, and 3%, respectively. Most female patients were infected with genotype s1m2. The
vacA-m1
strains were significantly more common in patients with nodular gastritis. There were no statistical
differences between the vacA and cagA genotypes and clinical outcomes.
Conclusion: The frequency of
cagA genotype was high. In this study, nodular gastritis was a common finding
and was rather significantly associated with m1 allele of
vacA.