Clinical Evaluation and Microbiological Identification of Helicobacter Pylori in Patients with Oral Ulcerations Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Method.

Background: The etiology of oral ulceration is multicausal with numerous predisposing factors. Studies by various authors cite Helicobacter pylori infection as a possible cause of certain oral ulcerations. Objective: The aim of the study is to prove the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity of patients with oral ulcerations, as well as to examine the relationship between the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity and the development of oral ulcerations. Methods: The study included regular patients at the Department and Clinic of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Sarajevo, suffering from oral ulcerations, as well as healthy patients without oral diseases. The diagnosis of oral ulceration is based on a thorough history, clinical examination, and exclusion of other oral diseases. All patients were taken anamnestic data on the existence of digestive system diseases, and by reviewing medical documentation, a previously diagnosed digestive system disease by a gastroenterologist was recorded. A cytological smear was taken in all 80 cases, in patients with ulcerative lesions a smear was taken from the lesion and in healthy subjects from the mucous membrane of the palate, cheek and tongue. Highly sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity and oral lesions. Results: The results of our study showed that there is no statistically significant difference between the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity of patients with oral ulcerations and subjects with healthy mucosa. Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori is not a risk factor for the development of oral ulcerations and can be found on the oral mucosa as a transient pathogen.