Detection of cagA and vacA genotypes of Helicobacter pylori isolates from a university hospital in Ankara region, Turkey

Aim: The cagA and vacA profiles and their association with clinical findings show a distinct geographical distribution. In the present study, we aimed to determine the cagA status and vacA allelic subtypes in strains isolated from a university hospital in Ankara and to evaluate their associations with histopathological and endoscopic findings. Materials and methods: A total of 120 H. pylori strains from stock cultures positive for the ureA gene were randomly included in the present study. Of these strains, cagA and vacA allelic subtypes (s1a, s1b, s2, m1, m2) were examined by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of the 120 strains, 64 (53.3%) were cagA-positive. However, no significant relationship was found between clinical outcomes and cagA positivity. There were 38 (33.6%) strains that had vacA m1 and 74 (65.5%) that had vacA m2 region. Overall, 75 (70.1%) samples were classified as vacA s1a, 3 (2.8%) as vacA s1b, and 29 (27.1%) as vacA s2. There was no significant relationship between vacA genotypes and endoscopic findings. The predominant vacA genotypes were s1am2 (35.6%) and s1am1 (33.6%), with almost the same rates. Furthermore, cagA positivity was found to be significantly related with the vacA s1am1 genotype. Conclusion: The cagA and vacA profiles of our study population are consistent with the Middle Eastern profile.