Abstract:
Introduction: There is an ongoing debate about the existence and effects of Helicobacter pylori
(Hp) in adenotonsillar tissue.
Objective: A clinical study was conducted to assess the existence of Hp in the adenoid and/or
adenotonsillar tissues, which were surgically excised due to chronic adenotonsillitis.
Methods: Phosphoglucosamine mutase gene for the detection of Hp and cytotoxin-associated
gene as virulence gene were examined in 84 adenotonsillar tissues obtained from 64 patients
and patients’ serum by using polymerase chain reaction.
Results: Hp IgG was detected in 57 (89%) patients’ serum. A total of seven tissue samples
from 64 patients (10.9%) were found positive for Hp DNA, of which five were adenoids and two
were tonsil tissues. All polymerase chain reaction positive samples were also positive for the
cytotoxin-associated gene, which is a virulence determinant for the organism.
Conclusion: This study suggests that children are exposed to Hp at an early age of their life in
this province. Hp may have a role in the pathogenesis of chronic adenotonsillitis, especially in
endemic areas.
© 2015 Associac¸ão Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by
Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.