The prevalence of the cagE gene of Helicobacter pylori and its association with gastroduodenal diseases

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is the leading cause of gastroduodenal diseases. The CagE protein, which is encoded by the cagE gene on the cag pathogenicity island (cagPAI), plays an important role in supplying energy for the type IV secretion system (T4SS). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the cagE gene of H. pylori isolates from patients with gastroduodenal diseases, and to investigate the association between the cagE gene and gastroduodenal diseases. Materials and methods: H. pylori strains were isolated from gastric mucosa biopsy specimens of 173 patients with gastroduodenal disease. The polymerase chain reaction technique was performed to identify the cagE gene. Results: The cagE gene was detected in 83.8% of H. pylori isolates. After adjusting for age and gender, the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that cagE-positive H. pylori infection was associated with an increased risk for peptic ulcers (aOR = 5.72, 95% CI: 1.11 - 29.38, p = 0.037). Conclusion: High prevalence of the cagE gene was observed among H. pylori isolates from patients with gastroduodenal diseases. The cagE gene was related to an increased risk for peptic ulcers. Key words: Helicobacter pylori, cagE gene, gastroduodenal diseases.