Aim: We evaluated the direct high-throughput multiple genetic detection system (dHMGS) for Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.
Materials & methods: One hundred and thirty-three specimens were concurrently analyzed by dHMGS, rapid urease test, culture and sequencing.
Results: dHMGS was highly sensitive and specific for H. pylori identification compared with culture and rapid urease test. The correlation coefficient of the quantitative standard curve was R2 = 0.983. A significant difference in the relative H. pylori DNA abundance was found in different gastroduodenal diseases. Concordance rates between dHMGS and sequencing for resistance mutations were 97.1, 100.0, 85.3 and 97.1%, respectively. Finally, dHMGS could efficiently distinguish mixed infection in biopsy specimens.
Conclusion: The dHMGS could efficiently diagnose and quantify H. pylori burden in biopsies, simultaneously screening for virulence, antibiotic resistance and presence of the multistrain infections.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; direct high-throughput multiple genetic detection system; gastric biopsy specimens; identification; mixed infection; quantitative analysis; resistance; virulence.