Absence of Helicobacter pylori within the oral cavities of members of a healthy South African community.

Our study aimed to evaluate the oral cavity as a reservoir from where Helicobacter pylori may be transmitted. Histology and PCR amplification were performed. Eighty-four percent of the stomach biopsies tested positive; however, H. pylori was not detected in dental samples, indicating the absence of H. pylori within the oral cavity.