Resumo

BERROTERAN, Alejandra et al. Prevalencia de Helicobacter pylori en el estómago y placa dental de una muestra de la población en Venezuela. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2001, vol.39, n.2, pp.35-41. ISSN 0001-6365.

Helicobacter pylori has been implicated as the major acquired factor in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric neoplasia in humans. The microorganism has been detected in dental plaque, saliva, stomach and feces, but the hypothesis that oral microflora may be a permanent reservoir of this bacteria is still controversial. To evaluate the potential of the oral cavity in this process, the presence of H. pylori was determined in 40 patients from the clinical Hospital University, Central University of Venezuela attending for routine gastroscopy and 20 asymptomatic subjects (control group). Gastric antrum biopsies were taken for CLO (rapid urease test) and culture. Supragingival plaque (1-2 ml) were collected prior to undergoing endoscopy. All oral and gastric biopsy samples were cultures on selective and non selective media. Plates were incubated al 37ºC for five days in a microaerobic atmosphere. Colonies resembling H. pylori on the agar were picked off for Gram staining, oxidase, catalase, and urease test. H. pylori positive was detected in antral samples in 45% (18/40) by cultures . The dental plaque samples were positive for H. pylori in 17,5% (7/40) patients. We concluded that the oral cavity may be an important reservoir for H. pylori and the detection of this bacteria at various sites in patients with gastritis indicates that oral-spread is a potential route of transmission.

Palavras-chave : Helicobacter pylor; cultivo; placa dental.