Assessment of Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin-associated Gene A (Cag A) protein and its association with ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiencies among adult healthy asymptomatic residents in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Introduction

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) serves as an effective epidemiological site for assessing Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection due to its diverse population. However, comprehensive studies on the prevalence of H. pylori in the UAE are notably scarce. In depth prevalence studies are needed as a preventive measure against gastric cancer and other emerging extra gastric diseases associated with H. pylori infection. Aim: This study aimed to assess H. pylori infection and its virulent oncoprotein, the Cytotoxin-Associated Gene (Cag A) and its association with ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Methods: The study was conducted on 1094 healthy asymptomatic volunteers residents in the Sharjah Emirate, UAE. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to assess H. pylori infection using H. pylori antibodies (IgG), and detection of CagA protein using Cag A antibody (IgG) in the human serum. Ferritin and vitamin B12 serum levels were assessed and correlated to H. pylori infection. Results: This study focuses mainly on the assessment of H. pylori and its virulent factor CagA, in relation to vitamin B12 and ferritin deficiencies. Remarkably, 49.6 % of the participants were detected positive for H. pylori, with over half of these cases involving CagA positive strains. Notably, among Emirati participants, 76.11 % of those with H. pylori infection were CagA positive. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between H. pylori, CagA level, and ferritin/vitamin B12 deficiencies. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of timely detection and eradication of H. pylori not only as a preventive strategy against gastric cancer but also as an effective strategy to rescue the adverse effects from ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiencies, thereby improving the overall health outcomes of individuals affected by H. pylori infection.