Detection of Helicobacter pylori genes (CagA and VacA) in municipal drinking water
Background: Helicobacter pylori is classified as a carcinogen, and it is also the most common cause of chronic bacterial infection and peptic ulcers. Approximately 45% of people are infected with the bacterium. Methods: In this study, the H. pylori genes, CagA and VacA, were investigated in drink...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Kerman University of Medical Sciences
2022-09-01
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| Series: | Environmental Health Engineering and Management |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ehemj.com/article-1-1006-en.html |
| Summary: | Background: Helicobacter pylori is classified as a carcinogen, and it is also the most common cause
of chronic bacterial infection and peptic ulcers. Approximately 45% of people are infected with the
bacterium.
Methods: In this study, the H. pylori genes, CagA and VacA, were investigated in drinking water, using
100 samples (50 samples from the municipal water supply and 50 samples from the effluent of household
water treatment devices). DNA was extracted from colonies with a positive heterotrophic plate count
(HPC) for use in molecular testing and microbial identification. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
was used to identify H. pylori.
Results: The study showed that 24% of urban water samples (12% above the World Health Organization
[WHO] standards for safe drinking water) and 18% of home water treatment-device samples (4% above
the WHO standards) were HPC-positive. The H. pylori genes, CagA and VacA, were identified in 2%
of the samples from household water treatment devices and 8% of the municipal water supply samples.
Conclusion: The study findings show that H. pylori may be transmitted in drinking water. However,
there is currently no strong evidence that the bacteria can survive after the disinfection process in the
water supply system. Therefore, the health risks of this bacterium in drinking water are still unknown. |
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| ISSN: | 2423-3765 2423-4311 |