The role of Helicobacter pylori in urticaria and atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer, has been associated with several extragastrointestinal diseases. Many studies have shown a positive relation between H. pylori infection and both chronic idiopathic urticaria and atopic dermatitis.

Methods: The study included 20 patients diagnosed with chronic idiopathic urticaria and 20 with atopic dermatitis. A randomized sample of 20 healthy individuals was selected as a control group. H. pylori infection was assessed using the C-urea breath test, and anti-H. pylori IgG antibody titers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: In the chronic idiopathic urticaria group, the urea breath test titer was positive in 75% of patients, and anti-IgG antibodies were also detected in 75% of patients. In the atopic dermatitis group, titer was positive in 70% and antibodies were detected in 65% of patients, while in the control group, the urea breath test titer was positive in 55% and antibodies were seen in 20% of patients. This difference was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001) in the case of anti-H. pylori antibodies in relation to chronic idiopathic urticaria and significant (p < 0.05) in the case of atopic dermatitis.

Conclusions: These results provide some evidence of a relationship between H. pylori infection and both chronic idiopathic urticaria and atopic dermatitis. Treatment of infection demonstrated by reduction in C-urea breath test and anti-H. pylori antibody titers resulted in partial improvement of clinical symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis.