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 ۴۵% of people are infected with the bacterium. Methods: In this study, the H. pylori genes, CagA and VacA, were investigated in drinking water, using ۱۰۰ samples (۵۰ samples from the municipal water supply and ۵۰ 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 ۲۴% of urban water samples (۱۲% above the World Health Organization [WHO] standards for safe drinking water) and ۱۸% of home water treatment-device samples (۴% above the WHO standards) were HPC-positive. The H. pylori genes, CagA and VacA, were identified in ۲% of the samples from household water treatment devices and ۸% 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.

Keywords:

Helicobacter pylori , Drinking water , Polymerase chain reaction , Water supply , Water purification