Detection of Helicobacter pylori in water and biofilm samples from faucets of official educational institutions in the city of Medellín

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is one of the etiological infectious agents of chronic gastritis, MALT lymphoma, gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric cancer and can be transmitted through water.

Objective: to determine the presence of Hp by means of cultures and PCR in samples of water and biofilm of the faucets of the official educational institutions of the city of Medellín, and the presence of some risk factors for water contamination.

Material and methods: In 194 educational institutions of the municipality of Medellín, 2010- 2011, a sample of water and biofilm of faucet was taken and planted on HPSPA agar and a conventional direct PCR test was performed with the ureA gene. In addition, a survey to evaluate risk factors such as age of the building, physical and material condition of faucets, presence of water tanks or wells for consumption, availability of drinking water and availability of water sources other than those of the municipal aqueduct was carried out.

Results: the frequency of Hp DNA by PCR test in water and biofilms was 2.1% in each type of sample and by culture was 11.3% in both water and biofilm. The positive water samples by PCR corresponded to the educational institutions located in Manrique, Villa Hermosa, San Javier and Guayabal. Positive biofilm samples were found in Popular, Villa Hermosa, Palmitas and Santa Elena districts.

Conclusions: Hp was detected in the water and biofilm samples obtained from the official educational institutions of Medellín and could be determined by culture in HPSPA and by PCR with the ureA gene. However, none of the risk factors studied were predictors of contamination.