Molecular identification of Helicobacter pylori and their influence on hematological parameters in patients with irondeficiency anemia

Abstract

Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global health concern that may be related to Helicobacter pylori infection. Precise molecular identification of H. pylori and its virulence factors is essential for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms fundamental to IDA. The current study aims to correlate molecular detection of H. pylori and its virulence factor genes and hematological parameters in patients with IDA compared to non-diseased controls. This study included 120 participants (80 patients with IDA and 40 healthy controls). Gastric biopsies were obtained from patients admitted to Al-Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital, Thi-Qar, Iraq. DNA was extracted for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of the H. pylori-16S rRNA and virulence factor genes (cagA and babA2). Hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and iron levels, were measured from blood samples. The infection with H. pylori was detected in 62.5% of IDA patients, compared with 25% in controls. The cagA gene was detected in 76% of H. pylori-positive IDA patients versus 40% in positive controls. The babA2 gene was detected in 68% of H. pylori-positive IDA patients compared with 30% in positive controls. Patients with both virulence factors showed significantly lower hemoglobin and ferritin levels. This study concluded that there is a significant association between H. pylori infection and IDA, highlighting that virulent strains carrying cagA and babA2 may contribute to iron deficiency.

KEY WORDS: Gastritis; iron absorption impairment; Gram-negative; virulence factors.