Protocol for detecting Helicobacter suis infection in gastric biopsies and serum by PCR and ELISA

Infection with Helicobacter suis, which causes many cases of gastric disease, is not reliably diagnosed. Here, we present a protocol for detecting H. suis infection. We describe steps for collecting gastric biopsies and sera from patients, preparing DNA for PCR, and targeting the H. suis-specific gene. We then define procedures for inoculating biopsies onto primary agar plates and transferring colonies to secondary agar plates. Finally, we detail whole-genome sequencing of bacteria and assess H. suis infection in sera with ELISA. For complete details on the use and execution of these protocols, please refer to Matsui et al.1 [Display omitted] •Protocol for detecting H. suis infection in clinical practice•Steps to collect and transport gastric biopsies and serum specimens•Detecting H. suis in gastric biopsies by PCR, culture, and whole-genome sequencing•Establishing serological detection of H. suis infection by ELISA Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. Infection with Helicobacter suis, which causes many cases of gastric disease, is not reliably diagnosed. Here, we present a protocol for detecting H. suis infection. We describe steps for collecting gastric biopsies and sera from patients, preparing DNA for PCR, and targeting the H. suis-specific gene. We then define procedures for inoculating biopsies onto primary agar plates and transferring colonies to secondary agar plates. Finally, we detail whole-genome sequencing of bacteria and assess H. suis infection in sera with ELISA.