Detection of the babA2 adhesin gene in Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates and correlation with upper gastrointestinal diseases

Helicobacter pylori is an oncobacteria that infects more than half of the world's population. Adhesins are virulence factors that are essential for the microorganism to bind to the gastric mucosa, such as the BabA adhesion protein, which is associated with the clinical outcome of the infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the babA2 gene of H. pylori with clinical outcomes and lifestyle of dyspeptic patients in central Brazil. Molecular diagnosis of H. pylori and screening of the babA2 gene were performed in 155 patients by polymerase chain reaction. Gastropathies were classified as mild and severe. Approximately 68% (105/155) of the patients were infected with H. pylori, and of these, 25% had babA2+ strains. The presence of babA2 was more frequent in women and in patients who consumed coffee daily. However, there was no statistical association between babA2 and these variables. Approximately 31% of patients infected with babA2+ strains presented some severe disease, with gastric adenocarcinoma being the most frequent severe gastropathy. The babA2 genotype of H. pylori was not associated with the severity of gastropathies (p=0.128). The characterization of molecular markers may contribute to the identification of virulent strains with relevance to public health.