The Relationship Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background : Helicobacter pylori is a spiro-helical, gram-negative & microaerophilic bacteria that particularly lives in the stomach. It has helix form is thought to have developed to puncture the mucoid lining of the stomach and transmit infection. Almost around world about half of population infected with these bacteria, which is broadly dispersed. The interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental exposures results in autoimmune disorders. Infectious triggers have been linked and thoroughly explored among environmental exposures. Purpose: To identify the frequency of peoples infected with Helicobacter pylori with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and to determine how this infection may affect the immune system and contribute to autoimmune disease. Methods: 100 Stool samples were collected from patients (50) & control group (50) having mild to severe abdominal symptoms also they have pain in joints and bones in order to detect H. pylori infection by stool antigen (Ag) test also urea breath test done to confirm the diagnosis , the patients also diagnosed for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) via anti -CCP test by blood samples collection . Results: 50 total patients were infected by H. pylori , Females have higher rate of infection with 60% and males 40% . (40-49) years old age patients have higher rate of infection . (30%) of patients with positive H. pylori and chronic gastritis suffered from Pain in bones and joints and diagnosed with RA , while only 6 % of controls without H. pylori infection diagnosed with RA and showed less gastrointestinal symptoms and no joints inflammation. Conclusions: In our study we can conclude that there is a strong association between gastritis in patients caused by helicobacter pylori and development of autoimmune diseases represented by rheumatoid arthritis .