Use of SYBR Green PCR to Detect Helicobacter Pylori in Gastric Biopsies of Endoscopy Referral Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a common cause of chronic bacterial infections worldwide. It is the cause of gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric cancers and gastric malt lymphoma. Endoscopy was performed on 80 referred patients. Gastric biopsies were taken from the antrum. Genomic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (gDNA) was extracted from the biopsies using ReliaPrep spin column method and tested by SYBR Green PCR.SYBR Green PCR showed that 22 (27.5%) (N = 80) patients were positive for H. pylori infection. Using Chi square, there was no significant association between H. pylori infection and age (p = 0.121). There was however significant association between the infection and sex (p = 0.012).The study showed high prevalence of H. pylori infection in Makurdi, Benue State as determined by SYBR Green PCR. Reliable methods of detecting H. pylori will help in the successful eradication and reduction of the risk of gastric carcinoma.There is need to establish national guidelines on the diagnosis and management of H. pylori infection in patients with gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.