Resumen

BERROTERAN, Alejandra et al. Prevalencia de Helicobacter pylori en muestras de placa dental de un grupo de pacientes venezolanos, mediante la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2002, vol.40, n.2, pp.116-122. ISSN 0001-6365.

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial infections worlwide. It is associated with chronic gastritis, ulcer disease and is a risk factor for gastric cancers. The microorganism may be transmitted orally and has been detected in dental plaque, saliva and feces, but the hypothesis that oral microflora may be a permanent reservoir of H. pylori is still controversial The aim of this study was two fold : 1.- determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori DNA in the dental plaque of a Venezuelan population by PCR and 2.- investigate the relationship between this infection and the oral index. Thirty two patients from Hospital Universitario de Caracas, attending for routine gastroscopy and 20 asymptomatic subjects (control group) were evaluated. Supragingival plaque were analyzed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for a specific internal urease gene. This organism was recovered from dental plaque samples of 12/32 (37,5 %) subjects . Seven patients with chronic gastritis had presence of H. pylori bacteria’s in dental plaque. Of these subjects, 4 had dysplasia aditionally, one metaplasia, and two gastritis only. Three patients of the control group were positive by PCR . In the present study there was no correlation of H. pylori infection with oral hygiene, dental caries, periodontal disease or use of dentures. We conclude that the oral cavity may be a reservoir for H. pylori infection and oral secretions may be an important means of transmission of this microorganism. H pylori in dental plaque may represent a risk factor for gastrointestinal reinfection and ulcer relapse after antibiotic therapy.

Palabras clave : Helycobacter pylori; dental plaque; oral cavity; Polymerae chain reaction.