Extragastroduodenal conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori infection

KW Tsang, SK Lam
Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that is considered a causative agent of peptic ulcer disease, gastric lymphoma, and gastric carcinoma. Helicobacter pylori triggers an intense leucocyte infiltration of the gastric submucosa, an action which is mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. This pathogenetic mechanism is common to many other diseases and consequently, Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence has also been investigated in other diseases. It is now known that Helicobacter pylori seropositivity is associated with various cardiovascular, respiratory, extragastroduodenal digestive, neurological, dermatological, autoimmune, and growth disorders. Although the precise role of Helicobacter pylori is unknown in these diseases, the organism can be eradicated using simple and reliable drug regimens. The conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori seropositivity are highlighted in this article.

Hong Kong Med J 1999;5:169-74

Key words: Antibodies, bacterial/blood; Helicobacter infections/complications; Helicobacter pylori/immunology; Seroepidemiologic studies