Finding the existence of of Helicobacter pylori in springs of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran by polymerase chain reaction

Background and aims: Helicobacter pylori is the primary cause of various diseases. This study was conducted to determine the existence of H. pylori in springs and surface water in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Methods: In this study, 29 water samples were collected from three different locations of Zayanderud River, 24 springs, and two subterranean from June 2014 to August 2014 in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Samples were filtered and DNAs were extracted. Then, the existence of H. pylori DNA was tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 16S rRNA, glm and Cag genes. Results: In the present study, the total infection rate of samples by H. pylori was 24.13%. H. pylori and DNA was detected in 100% of samples of Zayanderud River, 12.5% in springs of Dehcheshmeh in Farsan and Baram in Lordegan, and 50% in aqueducts. Conclusion: These findings show the existence of H. pylori in springs and surface water in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province and additional evidence for waterborne transmission of H. pylori in some environments.