Offering a cost-effective solution for patients suffering from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its antibiotic-resistance mutations in rural areas with limited access to diagnostic facilities, Indian researchers have introduced a novel diagnostic method for identifying the highly prevalent gut pathogen.
This advancement, developed using CRISPR-based technologies, holds promise for addressing global health challenges posed by the bacterium that affect over 43% of the global population and are associated with a range of gastrointestinal conditions, including peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia, and gastric cancer.
A significant challenge in managing these infections is resistance to clarithromycin, driven by specific mutations in the bacterium’s 23S ribosomal RNA gene. Such resistance often necessitates repeated diagnostic tests and multiple antibiotic treatments, complicating eradication efforts.
However, the research team, led by Dr Shraddha Chakraborty of IIT Delhi in collaboration with CSIR-IGIB and AIIMS, Delhi utilised a modified CRISPR-based technique to detect H. pylori and its mutations. The study explored the capabilities of en31-FnCas9, an engineered Cas9 protein derived from Francisella novicida, to identify mutations in the 23S rDNA of H. pylori.
This approach, combined with a lateral flow assay (FELUDA), offers a sequencing-free molecular diagnostic tool, providing rapid visual results. The method was tested on gastric biopsy samples from dyspeptic patients, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying the bacterium and its resistance mutations.
The clinical aspects of the study was led by Dr. Govind K Makharia and Dr Shubham Chaudhary (Department of Gastroenterology, AIIMS New Delhi), Dr. Manas K. Panigrahi (Department of Gastroenterology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar) and Dr. Vinay K. Hallur (Department of Microbiology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar).
The results are published in the Microchemical Journal. According to Dr Chakraborty, successful deployment of this methodology in a clinical setup can be helpful in providing accurate and timely reports on the antibiotic resistance pattern of the H. pylori strains isolated from patients, in remote settings allowing for effective management of this global public health concern.
This bacterial infection, which often begins in childhood, is almost 10 times more prevalent than diabetes in the country. Even though the stomach has strong acid, H. pylori survives by making a substance that weakens the acid. Over time, this bacteria can harm the stomach’s protective layer, leading to irritation and sometimes causing painful sores called ulcers.
Says Prf (Dr) Makharia, “Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, avoiding certain foods, and quitting smoking can help manage symptoms and prevent future ulcers. If you have symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or nausea, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.”
(Inputs by our correspondent, Alok Kumar)
