VacA, cagA, iceA and oipA genotype status of Helicobacter pylori isolated from biopsy samples from Iranian dogs

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the state of vacA, cagA, oipA and iceA genotypes of H. pylori isolated from gastric biopsy samples of dogs. Methods: A total of 240 gastric biopsy samples were taken from 240 dogs using gastric endoscope. All the samples were cultured and H. pylori-positive samples were analyzed for the presence of various genotypes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Thirteen out of 240 (5.41 %) samples were positive for H. pylori with a higher prevalence of the bacterium in dogs with gastric ulcer (6.36 %). The most commonly detected genotypes were vacA s1a (53.84 %), cagA (46.15 %) and vacA m2 (38.46 %). Total prevalence of iceA1, iceA2 and oipA genotypes were 23.07, 10.8 and 10.81 %, respectively. M2s1a (30.76 %), m1am2 (30.76 %) and m1as1a (23.07 %) had the highest prevalence among other detected combined genotypes. Twenty-two different genotypic combinations were detected with higher prevalence of s1a/cagA+/iceA1/oipA- (23.07 %), m2/cagA+/iceA1/oipA- (23.07 %), and s1b/cagA+/iceA1/oipA- (15.38 %) genotypes. Conclusion: The presence of similar genotypes in H. pylori strains of gastric biopsy samples of dogs and those of human clinical specimens suggest that dogs may be the source of the bacterium. Proper handwashing and avoidance contact with feces and saliva of dogs are recommended to prevent transmission of H. pylori.