We have examined the prevalence of gene
cagA and
vacA alleles in 129 patients, 69 with gastritis and 60 with peptic ulcer diseases from North Brazil and their relation with histopathological data.
vacA and
cagA genotype were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used for histological diagnosis. 96.6% of the patients were colonized by
Helicobacter pylori
strains harboring single
vacA genotype (nont-mixed infection). Among them, 11.8% had subtype s1a, 67.8% had subtype s1b, and 17% subtype s2. In regard to the middle region analysis, m1 alleles were found in 75.4% and m2 in 21.2% of patients. The
cagA gene was detected in 78% patients infected with
H. pylori and was associated with the s1-m1
vacA genotype. The
H. pylori strains,
vacA s1b m1/
cagA-positive, were associated with increased risk of peptic ulcer disease and higher amounts of lymphocytic and neutrophilic infiltrates and the presence of intestinal metaplasia. These findings show that
cagA and
vacA genotyping may have clinical relevance in Brazil.
