The Relation between Helicobacter Pylori Infection and the Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: The cause of autoimmune disease is not well-known; it is suggested that environmental, viral and bacterial factors might trigger the immune system. It was found that about 50% of the western and over 80% individuals in the developing countries are infected with Helicobacter pylori, a gram negative flagellated bacterium Because of its ability to induce chronic immune response in the host, it has been suggested that H. pylori has a role in the development and aggravation of autoimmune diseases. Objective: To evaluate the relation between H. pylori infection and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Method: Hundred rheumatoid arthritis patients were tested for the presence of H. pylori infection using urea breath test, and were evaluated for the severity of rheumatoid arthritis using DAS 28/ESR, as well as the levels of ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: There was no significant difference either clinically or laboratory between H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative patients in rheumatoid activity except in CRP. Conclusion: There was no relation between H. pylori infection and rheumatoid arthritis activity.

Comparison of serum and synovial fluid markers of Herpes simplex virus and Helicobacter pylori infection between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

“…Their results indicated that there was no significant difference in terms of incidence of new RA cases between H. pylori positive and negative patients during the course of the follow-up period [12]. Saad et al demonstrated no significant clinical or laboratory differences between Helicobacter pylori positive and negative patients in terms of rheumatoid [16]. Similarly, no difference was reported between RA and OA patients with Helicobacter pylori positive and negative findings regarding the clinical and laboratory results, which is consistent with the results of the present study.…”