Candida-mediated vertical transmission of Helicobacter pylori in C57BL/6J mice.

BACKGROUND

Although Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause a range of gastric diseases and affects approximately 50% of the global population, its routes of transmission have yet to be sufficiently clarified. In a preliminary study, we found that H. pylori can reside within the cells of Candida yeasts, with maternal Candida serving as a potential reservoir for the transmission of H. pylori to neonates during delivery.

AIM: To study the route of H. pylori transmission from mothers to offspring.

METHODS

We established vaginal and gastric infection models using female C57BL/6J mice infected with H. pylori 16S rDNA and urease A (ureA) genes-positive Candida. The successfully infective female mice were then mated with normal male mice until conception (classified vaginal and cesarean deliveries). The H. pylori infection status in female mice and their offspring was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction, Candida isolation and culture, and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed an increase in H. pylori-specific IgG and IgM serum antibodies in the H. pylori-positive Candida group maternal and offspring mice compared to the control and normal groups. H. pylori 16S rDNA or ureA genes was detected in samples from some of the maternal and offspring mice, including gastric mucosa, intestinal contents, vaginal tissue, placenta, and fetal membranes. In addition, H. pylori 16S rDNA- or ureA gene-positive Candida were successfully isolated from the tissues of some postpartum maternal and offspring mice. Moreover, histopathological examination revealed bleeding spots and inflammatory cell infiltration in the gastric mucosal tissues of some maternal mice and offspring in the H. pylori-positive Candida group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, H. pylori infection of newborns may be acquired through vertical transmission during childbirth, potentially originating from the mother's Candida that has been internalized by H. pylori.