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Detection of free and plankton‐associated Helicobacter pylori in seawater
Author(s) -
Cellini L.,
Vecchio A. Del,
Candia M. Di,
Campli E. Di,
Favaro M.,
Donelli G.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2004.02307.x
Subject(s) - plankton , seawater , bacteria , biology , helicobacter pylori , microbiology and biotechnology , nested polymerase chain reaction , microorganism , pathogen , polymerase chain reaction , veterinary medicine , ecology , gene , biochemistry , genetics , medicine
Aims: To detect both free and plankton‐associated Helicobacter pylori in seawater samples collected on the Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea using a nested‐PCR. Methods and Results: Dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and chlorophyll ‘a’ were the parameters recorded together with the characterization of zooplanktonic organisms. Plankton‐associated H. pylori DNA was searched for in water samples filtered through 200 and 64 μ m nylon nets whereas free bacteria were retained with the subsequent filtration through 0·22 μ m pore‐size membranes. Nested‐PCR using primers for the glm M ( ure C) gene was performed to reveal the presence of H. pylori . The DNA sequencing of amplified products confirmed the specificity of the assay. The sensitivity of the nested‐PCR assay for H. pylori detection was 62 CFU per 100 ml in spiked water samples. Helicobacter pylori either free or bound to planktonic organisms was found in seven of 12 monthly samples. In particular, free bacteria were detected during the summer sampling and in November, December and March associated to planktonic cells. Conclusions: The presence of free and plankton‐associated H. pylori in seawater suggests that it can be a significant reservoir and a potential route of transmission for the microorganism. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our study seems to provide a promising background to define new and effective strategies for surveillance of this human pathogen.