Evaluation of rapid molecular methods for detection of clarithromycin resistance inHelicobacter pylori

Abstract

Resistance ofHelicobacter pylori to Clarithromycin is due to point mutations at position A2143 or A2144 of therrnH 23S rRNA gene, each mutation creating an additional restriction site for Bsal orMboII. A procedure combining PCR and RFLP analysis was evaluated for detection of these mutations using primers specific for the 23S rRNA gene, andBsaI andMboII enzymes. All clarithromycin-resistant isolates (8/8), as defined by the MIC, were found to be resistant by PCR-RFLR No clarithromycin-sensitive isolates (14/14) gave a positive reaction.