Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> and Clarithromycin Resistance
Jin Hee Noh, Ji Yong Ahn, Jene Choi, Young Soo Park, Hee Kyong Na, Jeong Hoon Lee, Kee Wook Jung, Do Hoon Kim, Kee Don Choi, Ho June Song, Gin Hyug Lee, Hwoon‐Yong Jung, Jung Mogg Kim
Abstract
Background/Aims: . We evaluated the effectiveness of RT-PCR compared to that of the rapid urease test (RUT) and assessed its value in verifying CLR resistance. Methods: infection and CLR resistances caused by either A2142G or A2143G mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA gene (23S rRNA). The results were compared to those of RUT and antimicrobial susceptibility culturing tests to investigate the efficacy of RT-PCR. Results: Among the 70 specimens analyzed, the positivity rate was 97.1% (68/70) with RT-PCR and 82.9% (58/70) with RUT. CLR resistance (minimum inhibitory concentration >1.0 μg/mL) was confirmed in 18.6% (13/70), and fluorescence melting curve analysis showed that 84.6% (11/13) had point mutations in 23S rRNA. Ten specimens had only A2143G mutation, and one specimen contained both A2142G and A2143G mutations. Conclusions: , thus helping clinicians select suitable treatment regimen and improve the eradication rate.