Prevalence of the Helicobacter pylori in the tonsils and adenoids.

Introduction: There is an ongoing debate about the existence and effects of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in adenotonsillar tissue.

Objective: A clinical study was conducted to assess the existence of Hp in the adenoid and/or adenotonsillar tissues, which were surgically excised due to chronic adenotonsillitis.

Methods: Phosphoglucosamine mutase gene for the detection of Hp and cytotoxin-associated gene as virulence gene were examined in 84 adenotonsillar tissues obtained from 64 patients and patients' serum by using polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Hp IgG was detected in 57 (89%) patients' serum. A total of seven tissue samples from 64 patients (10.9%) were found positive for Hp DNA, of which five were adenoids and two were tonsil tissues. All polymerase chain reaction positive samples were also positive for the cytotoxin-associated gene, which is a virulence determinant for the organism.

Conclusion: This study suggests that children are exposed to Hp at an early age of their life in this province. Hp may have a role in the pathogenesis of chronic adenotonsillitis, especially in endemic areas.