Abstract
Problem statement: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a microaerophilic, gram negative bacillus, which can cause peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. Recurrent infection with this agent is considered as one of the reasons for failure of peptic ulcer treatment. Some studies have reported colonization of H. pylori in dental plaques, tonsils and adenoid tissues. Therefore oral cavity could be the source of H. pylori and it might be the reason for unsuccessful eradication. Approach: In this cross sectional study, 95 patients with the average age of 12.1±7.5 years undergoing adenotonsillectomy were chosen consecutively. Intra-operatively a 2 mm section of the tonsils were removed and investigated for H. pylori by Rapid Urease Test (RUT). Post-operatively the removed tonsils were stained by hematoxylin-eosin (H and E) and Gimsa for direct investigation of H. pylori bacterium. Serum samples of the patients were also tested for the presence of H. pylori IgG antibody. Results: Overall 70 patients (73.7%) had positive anti- H. pylori IgG antibody in their sera. The results of RUT on adeno-tonsils showed that 42.1% of the specimens were positive for H. pylori. In histology examination, 9 patients (9.5%) were positive for the presence of bacterium. Conclusion: Based on our findings it seems that tonsils and adenoid tissues are the candidate places for the growth of H. pylori. Further studies about the role of tonsillar colonization of H. pylori in re-infection after treatment are recommended.
Highlights
Helicobacter pylori, is a worldwide bacterial infection that has a prevalence of 30% in developed to 90% in underdeveloped countries[1,2]
H. pylori is a world wide distributed chronic infection which is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric carcinoma and lymphoma
Stomach is the main place of H. pylori colonization and the eradication of infection from the stomach is the mainstay of therapy for prevention of peptic ulcer recurrence
Summary
Helicobacter pylori, is a worldwide bacterial infection that has a prevalence of 30% in developed to 90% in underdeveloped countries[1,2]. It is reported that the prevalence rate in Iran is between 50-90%[3]. This microaerophilic, gram negative rod is found mostly between epithelial surface and gastric mucus layer. Fecal-oral is the main route of transmission for H. pylori, the bacteria can be transmitted through saliva as well[6]. Some studies have reported colonization of H. pylori in dental plaques, tonsils, saliva and adenoid tissues[8,9]. Considering the fecal-oral route transmission of H. pylori and its presence on the tonsils, it is possible that these organs have a potential role in colonization and transmission of the bacteria[9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
