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Background: Helicobacter pylori has been identified as a group I carcinogenic bacterium
that infects the gastric mucosa leading to gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, lymphoma, and
gastric cancer. Pathogenesis of H. pylori depends on the virulence of the strain, host
immune response, and modulating factors like smoking and diet.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between selected human leukocyte
antigen (HLA) alleles including HLA-DQA1*0102, HLA-DQA1*0103, and HLADQB1*0301, and the presence of H. pylori infection and disease severity among dyspeptic
patients.
Materials and Methods: Gastric tissue samples were collected from 100 dyspeptic patients,
who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a tertiary care hospital. Presence of
HLA alleles was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Helicobacter pylori
infection was determined using PCR and Histology. The histological interpretation was
done according to the ‘Sydney classification.’ Statistical analysis was done with SPSS
version 22.
Results: Respective percentages of HLA-DQA1*0102, HLA-DQA1*0103, and HLADQB1*0301 were 39%, 31%, and 20%, respectively. Of the 25 samples positive for H. pylori
infection, 56% (14/25), 36% (9/25), and 12% (3/25) were positive for HLA-DQA1*0102,
HLA-DQA1*0103, and HLA-DQB1*0301 alleles respectively. Considering the association
with H. pylori infection, only HLA-DQA1*0102 showed significant association (P=.044).
No significant association was found between the HLA alleles and the histological severity
among the H. pylori infected patients.
Conclusion: Investigation of immunogenetic factors contributing to susceptibility or
resistance to H. pylori infection in Sri Lanka can provide an insight into understanding the
risk of developing severe pathological complications among patients.
