Objective: To compare the virulence genotype (cagA and vacA ml genes) of Helicobacter pylori obtained simultaneously from gastric mucosa and oral cavity.
Material and methods: Gastric samples of 18 patients were obtained by endoscopic biopsies. Oral samples of these patients were obtained from dental plaque and saliva swabs from the floor of the mouth and the base of the tongue. All samples were studied by conventional PCR and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Virulence genes cagA and vacA ml were studied by RT- PCR.
Results: According to presence and/or absence of cagA and vacAm1 genes, seven different combinations were observed.
Conclusion: These results suggest that there is a variety of genetic profiles of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach and oral cavity, with a predominance of less virulent genotypes in the patients included in this study (cagA-, vacA m1-).