Iranian Researchers Study Microbial Composition of Patient’s Stomach

“In this study we tried to identify the microbial diversity in the gastric mucosa of patients by utilizing classical culture techniques and molecular studies based on sequencing of isolated bacteria. The ultimate goal was to find a possible relationship between the microbial composition of the stomach and the severity of tissue damage like gastritis and gastric atrophy,” explained Mohaddeseh Ramezani, a faculty member and the director of the Microorganism Bank of the National Center for Genetic and Biological Resources of Iran, who supervised the study.

“An important point in this study was the isolation of viable and culturable strains, which allows for further tests like determining antibiotic resistance and examining their pathogenicity characteristics,” he added.

“The initial results of this study showed that changes in the microbial composition of the stomach can be associated with the severity of disease symptoms, opening new horizons in the early diagnosis and targeted treatment of digestive diseases,” Ramezani said.

In a relevant development in January, Iranian researchers at a technological company had also developed a special kit to diagnose stomach infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria which can be used to quickly identify this bacterium.

Rapid detection kits for Helicobacter pylori antigen can qualitatively identify Helicobacter pylori surface antigens in stool samples by using anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies with high sensitivity.

Due to its high sensitivity, low cost, and non-invasiveness, this method is used as a common and suitable method for diagnosis, follow-up treatment, or screening of individuals in the community.

Medical diagnostic laboratories, hospital laboratories, pharmacies, medical clinics, and ordinary people at home can use this nano kit. This kit is available in several medical centers in Iran.

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