Association of Cag A positive Helicobacter pylori with bacterial colonization and epithelial immune response

This study was conducted to assess the association of CagA (Cytotoxin associated gene A) positive Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with bacterial colonization and immune response in gastric epithelial cells. Gastric biopsy specimens of angulus, antrum, and lesser and greater curvatures were obtained from 8 patients with dyspeptic symptoms referred for endoscopy to Shariati Hospital, Isfahan. Specimens were evaluated for H. pylori and in positive ones, serum samples were investigated for anti-CagA IgG antibody. Immune response to Helicobacter pylori was classified according to Sydney system. Of8 patients, 97 (70.%) were infected with H. pylori from which CagA antibody was positive in 8.%. No association was found between CagA positive antibody and age or gender (P>0.0). Also, no association was found between CagA status and bacterial colonization or epithelial immune response (P>0/0). The presence of CagA positive H. pylori is not related to bacterial colonization or gastric epithelial immune response in dyspeptic patients. However, according to evidence on the association of CagA positive H. pylori with increased of gastric cancers, strict follow-up of patients with this type of H. pylori is recommended even in the absence of severe epithelial immune response.