Abstract
Several species of Helicobacter colonize the hepatobiliary tract of animals and
cause hepatobiliary diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate
Helicobacter found in the biliary tract diseases of humans. Thirty-two bile
samples (15 from bile duct cancer, 6 from pancreatic head cancer, and 11 from
intrahepatic duct stone) were obtained by percutaneous transhepatic biliary
drainage. Polymerase chain reaction analysis using Helicobacter specific urease
A gene and 16S rRNA primers, bile pH measurement, and Helicobacter culture were
performed. Helicobacter DNA was detected in 37.5%, and 31.3% by PCR with ureA
gene, and 16S rRNA, respectively. The bile pH was not related to the presence of
Helicobacter. The cultures were not successful. In conclusion, Helicobacter can
be detected in the bile of patients with bile duct diseases. The possibility of
pathogenesis of biliary tract diseases in humans by these organisms will be
further investigated.