Enterohepatic Helicobacter in Ulcerative Colitis: Potential Pathogenic Entities?
Author(s)
Thomson, John M.; Hansen, Richard; Berry, Susan H.; Hope, Mairi E.; Murray, Graeme I.; Mukhopadhya, Indrani; McLean, Mairi H.; Shen, Zeli; Fox, James G.; El-Omar, Emad; Hold, Georgina L.; ... Show more Show less
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Background
Changes in bacterial populations termed “dysbiosis” are thought central to ulcerative colitis (UC) pathogenesis. In particular, the possibility that novel Helicobacter organisms play a role in human UC has been debated but not comprehensively investigated. The aim of this study was to develop a molecular approach to investigate the presence of Helicobacter organisms in adults with and without UC.
Methodology/Principal Findings
A dual molecular approach to detect Helicobacter was developed. Oligonucleotide probes against the genus Helicobacter were designed and optimised alongside a validation of published H. pylori probes. A comprehensive evaluation of Helicobacter genus and H. pylori PCR primers was also undertaken. The combined approach was then assessed in a range of gastrointestinal samples prior to assessment of a UC cohort. Archival colonic samples were available from 106 individuals for FISH analysis (57 with UC and 49 non-IBD controls). A further 118 individuals were collected prospectively for dual FISH and PCR analysis (86 UC and 32 non-IBD controls). An additional 27 non-IBD controls were available for PCR analysis. All Helicobacter PCR-positive samples were sequenced. The association between Helicobacter and each study group was statistically analysed using the Pearson Chi Squared 2 tailed test. Helicobacter genus PCR positivity was significantly higher in UC than controls (32 of 77 versus 11 of 59, p = 0.004). Sequence analysis indicated enterohepatic Helicobacter species prevalence was significantly higher in the UC group compared to the control group (30 of 77 versus 2 of 59, p<0.0001). PCR and FISH results were concordant in 74 (67.9%) of subjects. The majority of discordant results were attributable to a higher positivity rate with FISH than PCR.
Conclusions/Significance
Helicobacter organisms warrant consideration as potential pathogenic entities in UC. Isolation of these organisms from colonic tissue is needed to enable interrogation of pathogenicity against established criteria.
Date issued
2011-02Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Biological Engineering; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Division of Comparative MedicineJournal
PLoS ONE
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Citation
Thomson, John M. et al "Enterohepatic Helicobacter in Ulcerative Colitis: Potential Pathogenic Entities?" PLoS ONE 6(2): e17184.
Version: Final published version
ISSN
1932-6203