Detection of New Mutations in 23S rRNA Gene of Helicobacter Pylori in Gastric Biopsies in Abidjan

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the presence of mutations in 23S rRNA gene, conferring resistance to clarithromycin of Helicobacter pylori from gastric biopsies in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).

Place and Duration: Between August 2015 and February 2016, gastric biopsies were collected from adult patients in endoscopy room in Gastroenterology Department of Hospital and University Center of Cocody (Abidjan), then stored. From October to December 2016, laboratory tests were performed in Bacteriology-Virology department, molecular biology platform of Institute Pasteur of Côte d'Ivoire, and sequencing platform at Eurofins (Cochin, France).

Methodology: Helicobacter pylori DNA was extracted directly from stored gastric biopsies. Detection of 23S rRNA gene of Helicobacter pylori resistance to clarithromycin was done through conventional PCR and was quantified using a NanoDrop® spectrophotometer, Lite (Thermo Fischer Scientific, USA), followed by sequencing from Eurofins, MWG / operon (Cochin, France). The reference strains used for sequence comparison were selected from NCBI's Genbank's database with the accession number U27270.1.

Results: A new unreported T> C substitution was identified at 100% (3/3) at position 2616 (T2616C) compared to the reference strain.

Conclusion: The presence of a constant mutation, not yet described in 23S rRNA gene does require monitoring when the frequency of this mutation is probably responsible for future generations of mutant clones.