clove and Helicobacter-Infections

Helicobacter pylori has probably infected the human stomach since our origins and subsequently diversified in parallel with their human hosts. The genetic population history of H. pylori can therefore be used as a marker for human migration. We analysed seven housekeeping gene sequences of H. pylori strains isolated from 78 Senegalese and 24 Malagasy patients and compared them with the sequences of strains from other geographical locations. H. pylori from Senegal and Madagascar can be placed in the previously described HpAfrica1 genetic population, subpopulations hspWAfrica and hspSAfrica, respectively. These 2 subpopulations correspond to the distribution of Niger-Congo speakers in West and most of subequatorial Africa (due to Bantu migrations), respectively. H. pylori appears as a single population in Senegal, indicating a long common history between ethnicities as well as frequent local admixtures. The lack of differentiation between these isolates and an increasing genetic differentiation with geographical distance between sampling locations in Africa was evidence for genetic isolation by distance. The Austronesian expansion that started from Taiwan 5000 years ago dispersed one of the 10 subgroups of the Austronesian language family via insular Southeast Asia into the Pacific and Madagascar, and hspMaori is a marker for the entire Austronesian expansion. Strain competition and replacement of hspMaori by hpAfrica1 strains from Bantu migrants are the probable reasons for the presence of hspSAfrica strains in Malagasy of Southeast Asian descent. hpAfrica1 strains appear to be generalist strains that have the necessary genetic diversity to efficiently colonise a wide host spectrum.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Black People; Genetic Variation; Genetics, Population; Geography; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Human Migration; Humans; Madagascar; Middle Aged; Phylogeny; Population Groups; Senegal; Young Adult

Helicobacter pylori is a worldwide infection. However very few data are actually available on H. pylori seroprevalence in the Malagasy population. We carried out a transversal study in a sample of persons who met the following criteria: older than 15 years old, presence in the medicine internal unit 2 (University Hospital Center of Antananarivo) during the period of the study whatever the reason. H. pylori infection was identified serologically by using ELISA (G.A.P IgG H. pylori ELISA, Bio-Rad, France). Several factors were evaluated including serological status, demographic information, the reason of the presence in the unit, factors influencing H. pylori infection: socio-economic status, siblings, promiscuity consumption of alcohol, use of tobacco, water source and history of gastroscopy. The presence of clinical symptoms, such as dyspepsia and abdominal pain, was determined. Forty-five men and 45 women were included (mean age: 41.8 +/- 3.4 years). The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 82%. H. pylori infection was higher in men than in women (p < 0.02). Promiscuity constituted the principal factor influencing H. pylori infection. The seroprevalence of the H. pylori infection appears to be comparable to the rate encountered in developing countries. Considering this high rate of the H. pylori infection, eradication of H. pylori should be commonly recommended when facing gastrointestinal pathologies potentially induced by H. pylori.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alcohol Drinking; Antibodies, Bacterial; Cross-Sectional Studies; Family Characteristics; Female; Gastroscopy; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Madagascar; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Salaries and Fringe Benefits; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sexual Behavior; Smoking; Socioeconomic Factors

During a 8-month period, Helicobacter pylori infection has been studied in 140 patients who presented upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Helicobacter pylori was searched in antral biopsy specimens using standard bacteriological methods (Gram-staining, urea-test, culture) and histological staining techniques (hematoxylin-eosin-saffron, undifferentiated Giemsa). The global prevalence of H. pylori infection was 59%. The prevalence rates did not seem to differ with age and sex but H. pylori infection was significantly more frequent in patients with an active duodenal ulceration (30 of 41) compared with those with a normal endoscopy (21 of 47) (p < 0.02).

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy; Duodenal Ulcer; Female; Gastroscopy; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Madagascar; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Sex Distribution; Urban Health

Helicobacter pylori infection has been studied in 60 patients who were suffering from either a peptic ulcer disease or a gastritis complaint. Helicobacter pylori was searched in antral biopsy specimens using standard bacteriological methods (Gram-staining urea-test, culture) and histological staining techniques (hematoxylin-eosin-saffron, undifferentiated Giemsa). The culture was successful in 40 cases. The antibacterial activity of 13 malagasy medicinal plants has been tested versus Helicobacter pylori using disc method on agar culture. For five extracts, we observed an anti-Helicobacter pylori activity which would deserve further investigations.

Topics: Adult; Biopsy; Female; Gastritis; Gastroscopy; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Madagascar; Male; Medicine, African Traditional; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Peptic Ulcer; Plants, Medicinal; Population Surveillance; Prevalence