Detection of Helicobacter pylori in water by direct PCR

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a rapid, simple method for the detection of Helicobacter pylori in water that eliminates the need for recovery of cells or DNA extraction prior to PCR. Direct polymerase chain reaction (DPCR) with primers specific for H. pylori ureA (urease, subunit A) were used to detect H. pylori added to groundwater. DPCR also detected H. pylori in a naturally contaminated water sample. DPCR should provide an improved method to assess contamination of water by H. pylori. This simple, rapid method for detection of H. pylori in water will provide an improved means to investigate the possible role of water as a disease vector.