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Section Articles

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Helicobacter pylori in Patients with Chronic Diarrhea in Thi-Qar Province

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): July:
DOI : https://doi.org/10.21070/ijhsm.v3i1.352
Published : Jan 4, 2026

Hussain Adnan Hashim (1), Mohammed Mahdi Abd (2)

(1) Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq
(2) Ministry of Education, Directorate of Education Thi-Qar, Iraq
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Abstract:

General Background: Helicobacter pylori is a globally prevalent bacterial pathogen increasingly linked to gastrointestinal and extra-gastric disorders. Specific Background: Its role in chronic diarrhea remains insufficiently characterized in Iraq, particularly in Thi-Qar Province, where epidemiological data are inconsistent. Knowledge Gap: Limited molecular evidence exists on local H. pylori strains and the performance of diagnostic methods in patients with chronic diarrhea. Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori and characterize circulating strains among chronic diarrhea patients using stool antigen testing and PCR targeting the cagA gene. Results: A high prevalence was detected by antigen testing, while PCR revealed lower positivity, and two local cagA-positive isolates were genetically characterized and registered in GenBank. Novelty: The study reports the first molecular registration of H. pylori strains from chronic diarrhea cases in Thi-Qar Province. Implications: These findings underscore diagnostic variability and highlight the relevance of local molecular data for epidemiological surveillance and future clinical research.
Keywords : Helicobacter pylori, chronic diarrhea, stool antigen test, PCR detection, molecular characterization
Highlight :




  • Rapid stool antigen testing revealed high Helicobacter pylori detection among chronic diarrhea patients.




  • PCR targeting cagA gene showed substantially lower positivity, indicating diagnostic sensitivity variation.




  • Genetic sequencing identified distinct local strains registered in international genomic databases.



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