Close association of vacA and cagA genotypes with production of interleukin-8 and cytotoxin, gastric epithelial cells adhesion, inflammatory effects, vacuolization and apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells has been observed previously.32,33 Since H. pylori isolates in our study harbored vacA and cagA genotypes, consumption of meat contaminated with virulent strains may provoke duodenal ulceration, gastric mucosal atrophy and gastric cancer. Here, CXCL8 is linked to duodenal ulcer.