Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with common migraine headache

Association of Helicobacter pylori with migraine headaches and the effects of this infection and its eradication on the migraine characteristics in adults: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders that can severely overshadow people's quality of life, and Helicobacter pylori infection is a health problem in different societies. During the last two decades, many original studies have been conducted on the various aspects of the relationship between these two disorders; however, they have reported different and sometimes contradictory results.

METHODS

This study was conducted based on the PRISMA protocol. We performed a comprehensive literature search in the online databases up to May 2023, and 22 studies that contained original data on the relationship between H. pylori infection and migraine headaches in adults were included. For performing the meta-analysis, we calculated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), using a random-effects model, and to determine the possible causes of heterogeneity, we conducted a subgroup meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The overall OR for the association of H. pylori infection and migraine headaches through 493,794 evaluated individuals was 2.80 [95% CI = 1.75-4.48; I2  = 89.20, p < 0.01], which reveals a statistically significant association between these disorders. It was found that the studies that were conducted in Asian regions and the recently published ones have clearly shown a higher association between migraine and H. pylori infection. On the other hand, migraine patients who are infected with H. pylori have similar signs and symptoms as H. pylori-negative migraineurs; meanwhile, the clinical trials conducted in this field strongly emphasize the benefits of eradicating H. pylori infection in migraine patients and have estimated its effectiveness in improving migraine headaches equivalent to current common migraine treatments. Furthermore, it was reported that white matter lesions were 2.5-fold higher on brain MRI in patients with H. pylori-positive migraine compared with H. pylori-negative migraineurs; however, the evidence does not support the role of oxidative stress in patients suffering from H. pylori infection and migraine and refuses the role of Cag-A-positive strains of H. pylori in migraine headaches.

CONCLUSION

According to the currently available data, it seem reasonable that patients with a definite diagnosis of migraine who also suffer from gastrointestinal problems, undergo the H. pylori detection tests and if the evaluations are positive, H. pylori eradication treatment can be considered even before any migraine treatment.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children: A Possible Reason for Headache?

(1) Background: The correlation between infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and headache has been argued and explored for a long time, but a clear association between the simultaneous presence of the two in children has not been established yet. In this study, we aimed to explore this relationship in children from the Northeast region of Romania. (2) Methods: A retrospective study exploring the correlation between children having H. pylori infection and headache or migraine was conducted on a batch of 1757 children, hospitalized over 3 years in a pediatric gastroenterology department in Northeast Romania. (3) Results: A total of 130 children of both sexes had headache. From 130 children, 54 children (41.5%) also presented H. pylori infection. A significant association between headache and H. pylori infection (χ2; p < 0.01) was noticed. (4) Conclusions: More studies are needed on this relationship, and we emphasize the importance of further analyses, as they present great clinical importance for both prompt diagnosis and treatment.

A Comprehensive Review of Zavegepant as Abortive Treatment for Migraine

Migraine headache is a widespread and complex neurobiological disorder that is characterized by unilateral headaches that are often accompanied by photophobia and phonophobia. Migraine is one of the leading chief complaints in the emergency department with negative impacts on quality of life and activities of daily living. The high number of emergency presentations also results in a significant economic burden. Its risk factors include family history, genetics, sex, race, socioeconomics, the existence of comorbid conditions, and level of education. Triggers include stress, light, noise, menstruation, weather, changes in sleep pattern, hunger, dehydration, dietary factors, odors, and alcohol. The International Headache Society has defined criteria for the diagnosis of migraine with and without aura. The pathophysiology of migraine headaches is multifactorial so there are a variety of treatment approaches. The current treatment approach includes abortive medications and prophylactic medications. Abortive medications include the first-line treatment of triptans, followed by ergot alkaloids, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists along with supplemental caffeine and antiemetics. Trigeminal afferents from the trigeminal ganglion innervate most cranial tissues and many areas of the head and face. These trigeminal afferents express certain biomarkers such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P, neurokinin A, and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide that are important to the pain and sensory aspect of migraines. In this comprehensive review, we discuss Zavegepant, a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, as a new abortive medication for migraine headaches.

On the Association between Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Extragastric Manifestations

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and extragastric manifestations such as headache, fatigue, and dizziness. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Athens, where patients with GI problems and extragastric symptoms were treated only for their GI problems, and improvement in extragastric manifestations was recorded. Inclusion criteria were an age older than 18 years, the presence of at least one of the three extragastric symptoms investigated in this study (headache, dizziness, and fatigue), and the concomitant presence of at least one gastrointestinal symptom (e.g., nausea, belching, abdominal tenderness, epigastric pain, halitosis, flatulence, diarrhea, bad odor of flatulence, flatulence, and constipation). A standardized questionnaire was used to collect demographic data (such as age, weight, and height), patients' symptoms, laboratory findings (gastric biopsy, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy), and intensity/frequency of GI and extragastric symptoms. Statistically significant associations were found between GI symptoms (nausea, constipation, halitosis, and belching) and dizziness, fatigue, and headache (frequency, intensity, and duration). Treatment of GI problems resulted in a significant improvement in extragastric symptoms within one month of treatment initiation. It should be emphasized that the actual reason for the improvement in extragastric symptoms was solely the resolution of the GI problems, as patients did not receive specific treatments for headache, dizziness or fatigue, or other changes in daily life. This study demonstrates the association between extragastric manifestations and GI disorders.

The association between metabolic syndrome and erosive esophagitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although several studies have shown that each of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) components can be a risk factor for erosive esophagitis (EE), the association between MetS and EE is still a challenging subject, as studies about this association have shown inconsistent results. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the association between MetS and EE. In this study, we followed the MOOSE protocol and the PRISMA guidelines for reporting the results. Web of Science (ISI), Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - CDSR), EMBASE, Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed/Medline, EBSCO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar search engine were searched for articles published until January 2021. Heterogeneity between studies was estimated by I2 index and Q test. All analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. Finally, 12 studies entered the meta-analysis process after qualitative assessment. MetS was significantly associated with increased risk of EE (OR=1.488 [95 % CI: 1.352-1.638], P<0.001; Heterogeneity: I2= 55.57, P<0.001) in 12 studies with a sample size of 45285 (12825 cases and 29377 controls). In subgroup analysis based on types of studies (P=0.832), MetS diagnostic criteria (P=0.083) and quality of studies (P=0.612), no significant association was found. Sensitivity analysis showed that the overall estimation of effect size is still robust after omission of individual studies from the meta-analysis. Publication bias based on the Begg's test (P=0.945) and Egger's test (P=0.753) were not significant. MetS increases the risk of EE compared to control groups. Future studies should examine if MetS treatment reduces the risk of EE.

Helicobacter pylori Infection and Extragastric Diseases-A Focus on the Central Nervous System

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is most known to cause a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal impairments; however, an increasing number of studies indicates that H. pylori infection might be involved in numerous extragastric diseases such as neurological, dermatological, hematologic, ocular, cardiovascular, metabolic, hepatobiliary, or even allergic diseases. In this review, we focused on the nervous system and aimed to summarize the findings regarding H. pylori infection and its involvement in the induction/progression of neurological disorders. Neurological impairments induced by H. pylori infection are primarily due to impairments in the gut-brain axis (GBA) and to an altered gut microbiota facilitated by H. pylori colonization. Currently, regarding a potential relationship between Helicobacter infection and neurological disorders, most of the studies are mainly focused on H. pylori.

Chronic Gastritis Is Associated with a Decreased High-Density Lipid Level: Histological Features of Gastritis Based on the Updated Sydney System

Chronic gastritis could activate a systemic inflammatory response that could result in adverse lipid profiles. To determine the severity of chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori (HP), mononuclear cell (lymphocytes and plasma cells), and neutrophil scores were assessed on the basis of the updated Sydney system (USS), which is widely used for histological grading. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between gastric histological features and lipid profile levels. This study included 15,322 males and 5929 females who underwent a health checkup and gastric biopsy at the Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center (KBSMC). We analyzed whether the HP, mononuclear cell, and neutrophil grades according to the USS were related to serum leukocyte count, unhealthy behaviors, and lipid profile levels. Gastritis with HP, neutrophils, or moderate to severe mononuclear cells was associated with an elevated serum leukocyte count. A high leukocyte count was related to increased low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides/very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and decreased high-density lipoproteins (HDL). In multivariate analyses, chronic gastritis with HP or moderate to severe mononuclear cells was significantly associated with decreased HDL in males, while mononuclear cells were significantly related to decreased HDL in females. Chronic gastritis was associated with an increased systemic inflammatory response, which was associated with unfavorable lipid profiles, especially low HDL levels.

Migraine and gastric disorders: Are they associated?

Background:

Migraine is a common disorder which affects quality of life. There has been an increasing interest for discovering the association of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders with migraine during past years. This study aims to evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori contamination, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric ulcer (GU), and duodenal ulcer (DU) with migraine in patients who underwent upper GI endoscopy due to refractory dyspepsia.

Materials and Methods:

In this observational cross-sectional study, 341 dyspeptic patients who underwent upper GI endoscopy in Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom, Iran, included during 2016–2018. A checklist was used for collecting demographics, symptoms, and results from endoscopy and H. pylori testing. Diagnosis of migraine was made according to the International Headache Society criteria in patients who had headache. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and independent samples t-tests in SPSS 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) with P < 0.05 as significance level.

Results:

Among 341 patients, 141 (% 41.3) were male and 200 (58.7%) were female. 149 (43.7%) patients were diagnosed with migraine, from which 48 (32.2%) were male and 101 (67.8%) were female. The observed difference in migraine prevalence among male and female was statistically significant (P = 0.003). 198 (58.06%) patients were H. pylori contaminated, among these 138 (69.7%) suffered from migraine. Among 143 H. pylori-negative patients, there were 11 (7.7%) migraineurs. The difference in the prevalence of migraine among H. pylori positive and negative patients was significant. H. pylori and GERD were associated with migraine with P < 0.001. Patients with DU were more commonly suffering from migraine (P = 0.001). The association in patients with GU was not statistically significant (P = 0.863).

Conclusion:

Migraine might be associated with GERD, H. pylori infection, and DU, and the treatment of the underlying GI disorder may control headaches.

Migraine, dyspepsia, and Helicobacter pylori: Zeroing in on the culprit

Background: Numerous studies have evaluated the impact of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on the number, severity, and recurrence of migraine attacks. But the association of migraine, H. pylori, and gastrointestinal (GI) presentation is challenging. The aim of the current study was to investigate the correlation between migraine, H. pylori, and peptic ulcers among patients with dyspepsia undergoing upper GI endoscopy. Methods: 305 patients with dyspepsia referring to our endoscopy ward, Shahid Beheshti Hospital affiliated to Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran, for upper GI endoscopy filled out the study questionnaire. If a patient was experiencing headaches and the migraine was confirmed by neurologists, he/she was asked to answer the questions related to migraine, which were prepared exactly from Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire. The relation between migraine and confirmed H. pylori contamination was investigated using statistical models. Results: Of all the 305 patients, 133 (43.6%) had confirmed episodic migraine headaches (MHs) and 177 patients (58.04%) had positive RUT for confirming H. pylori contamination, of which 123 (69.5%) had confirmed migraine. 52 (17.0%) had duodenal peptic ulcer(s), of which, 49 (94.2%) had a positive rapid urease test (RUT) (P < 0.001). 20 (6.5%) of all patients had the gastric peptic ulcer(s) which did not have a significant relation with H. pylori contamination. There was a significant relationship between the peptic ulcer site and migraine. In total, 177 patients (58.0%) had a positive RUT. History of migraine was significantly positive in those with positive H. Pylori contamination. Notably, multivariable analysis demonstrated a significant relation of H. pylori and migraine at younger ages. Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori and migraine in patients with dyspepsia seems to be high. Moreover, there is a meaningful association between migraine, duodenal peptic ulcers, and H. pylori infection, too.

Genotyping and antibiotic resistance properties of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from human and animal gastric biopsies

Purpose

The present study was done to assess the prevalence rate, antibiotic resistance pattern and genotyping status of the Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from human and animal gastric biopsy samples.

Patients and methods

A total of 1,150 gastric biopsy samples were randomly collected from humans (children and adults) and animals (cows, sheep and goats). All samples were subjected to culture, urease test and histopathologic examination. H. pylori isolates were also confirmed using the 16S rRNA gene PCR-amplification. Antibiotic resistance pattern was assessed by the disk diffusion method. Distribution of different genotypes was studied by PCR.

Results

The prevalence of H. pylori in gastric biopsy samples which were studied using urease test, culture and histological examination were 57.04%, 55.40% and 60.80%, respectively. Samples that were collected from adult humans (78%) and sheep (70%) had the highest prevalence of H. pylori strains, while those of goats (0.6%) and cows (4%) had the lowest. Findings of the culture method were confirmed using PCR-based amplification of 16S rRNA. Distribution of H. pylori among the gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis gastric cancer and chronic cancer samples were 10.40%, 15.70%, 96.50%, 0.60% and 3.14%, respectively. H. pylori strains harbored the highest prevalence of resistance against ampicillin (74.4%), clarithromycin (63.4%), trimethoprim (61.5%) and metronidazole (61.5%). The most commonly detected genotypes among the H. pylori strains isolated from different types of biopsy samples were cagA (84.79%), vacA m2 (55.95%), vacA s1a (49.84%), cagE (48.58%), iceA1 (47.02%) and iceA2 (47.02%).

Conclusion

High prevalence of antibiotic resistance and virulent genotypes indicates an important public health issue. Similarities in antibiotic resistance and genotyping pattern of H. pylori strains isolated from humans and animals may show their similar routes of infection.

Clinical Implications of Associations between Headache and Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Study Using the Hallym Smart Clinical Data Warehouse

Background

The brain and gastrointestinal (GI) tract are strongly connected via neural, endocrine, and immune pathways. Previous studies suggest that headaches, especially migraines, may be associated with various GI disorders. However, upper GI endoscopy in migraineurs has shown a low prevalence of abnormal findings. Also, the majority of studies have not demonstrated an association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and migraine, although a pathogenic role for HP infection in migraines has been suggested. Further knowledge concerning the relation between headaches and GI disorders is important as it may have therapeutic consequences. Thus, we sought to investigate possible associations between GI disorders and common primary headaches, such as migraines and tension-type headaches (TTH), using the Smart Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW) over a period of 10 years.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated clinical data using a clinical data analytic solution called the Smart CDW from 2006 to 2016. In patients with migraines and TTH who visited a gastroenterology center, GI disorder diagnosis, upper GI endoscopy findings, and results of HP infection were collected and compared to clinical data from controls, who had health checkups without headache. The time interval between headache diagnosis and an examination at a gastroenterology center did not exceed 1 year.

Results

Patients were age- and sex-matched and eligible cases were included in the migraine (n = 168), the TTH (n = 168), and the control group (n = 336). Among the GI disorders diagnosed by gastroenterologists, gastroesophageal reflux disorder was more prevalent in the migraine group, whereas gastric ulcers were more common in the migraine and TTH groups compared with controls (p < 0.0001). With regard to endoscopic findings, there were high numbers of erosive gastritis and chronic superficial gastritis cases in the migraine and TTH groups, respectively, and the severity of gastritis was significantly higher in patients with TTH compared with controls (p < 0.001). However, no differences were observed in the prevalence of HP infection between the groups.

Conclusion

The observed association in this study may suggest that primary headache sufferers who experience migraines or TTH are more prone to GI disorders, which may have various clinical implications. Further research concerning the etiology of the association between headaches and GI disorders is warranted.

[Headache immunology]

The overview is dedicated to the neuroimmunological mechanisms of headache development and chronification. Based on the analyzed data, the authors determined the relationship between immunological parameters and duration, intensity and other characteristics of this disease. These findings confirm that immunocompetent cells can be used as headache biomarkers and predictors of treatment efficacy. Questions about the role of separate parts of the immune system in the development and maintenance of a headache require further research. Studies of humoral immunity appeared to be very promising.

Is there an Association between Migraine and Gastrointestinal Disorders?

Migraine is a primary episodic headache disorder that represents a substantial burden and disability worldwide. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial and remains hitherto poorly elucidated. An interesting but less-well-known association is that between migraine and gastrointestinal disorders. We have reviewed the literature for relevant papers reporting on the clinical association between migraine and gastrointestinal symptoms. Several studies have shown different gastrointestinal diseases to be associated with migraine, but the underlining pathophysiology remains elusive. The data gathered and analyzed have shown great variability across studies, making it impossible to draw definitive conclusions. Further research is required to elucidate this potential relationship. An understanding of the relationship between migraine and gastrointestinal disorders is of great clinical importance for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Gastrointestinal Headache; a Narrative Review

There are studies reporting primary headaches to be associated with gastrointestinal disorders, and some report resolution of headache following the treatment of the associated gastrointestinal disorder. Headache disorders are classified by The International Headache Society as primary or secondary; however, among the secondary headaches, those attributed to gastrointestinal disorders are not appreciated. Therefore, we aimed to review the literature to provide evidence for headaches, which originate from the gastrointestinal system. Gastrointestinal disorders that are reported to be associated with primary headaches include dyspepsia, gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, functional abdominal pain, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD), celiac disease, and helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infection. Some studies have demonstrated remission or improvement of headache following the treatment of the accompanying gastrointestinal disorders. Hypotheses explaining this association are considered to be central sensitization and parasympathetic referred pain, serotonin pathways, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, systemic vasculopathy, and food allergy. Traditional Persian physicians, namely Ebn-e-Sina (Avicenna) and Râzi (Rhazes) believed in a type of headache originating from disorders of the stomach and named it as an individual entity, the "Participatory Headache of Gastric Origin". We suggest providing a unique diagnostic entity for headaches coexisting with any gastrointestinal abnormality that are improved or cured along with the treatment of the gastrointestinal disorder.

Association of Helicobacter pylori antibodies and severity of migraine attack

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown a positive correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and migraine headache. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of H. pylori infection in migraine headache with (MA) and without aura (MO).

METHODS

This is a case-control study containing information on 84 patients (including MA, MO) and 49 healthy individuals. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used to measure immunoglobulin G (IgG,) immunoglobulin M (IgM) titer in two groups. Headache severity was evaluated according to Headache Impact Test (HIT6) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD of IgM antibody in Migrainous patients 26.3 (23.1) showed significantly difference with control group 17.5 (11.2) (P = 0.004). In addition, the mean ± SD HIT6 in Migrainous patients differed significantly between MA and MO groups 65.5 (4.7), 54.9 (5.3) respectively, P < 0.001). The only significant correlation was found for IgG antibody and HIT6 in MA patients (r = 0.407, P = 0.011) and MO group (r = 0.499, P = 0.002). The risk of migraine occurrence in patients did not significantly associate with the level of IgG and IgM antibodies.

CONCLUSION

The results give a hope that definite treatment and eradication of this bacterium could be a cure or to reduce the severity and course of migraine headaches.

Is Helicobacter pylori infection a risk factor for childhood periodic syndromes?

Background and objectives

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been assumed to have roles in various extra-digestive diseases. The current study was designed to evaluate the incidence of H. pylori infection in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome and its possible role in the etiology of this disease.

Design and setting

In this case-control study, 120 cases with diagnoses of cyclic vomiting or abdominal migraine who were registered at the Gastroenterology Clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from 2010 to 2013 were enrolled.

Materials and methods

Primarily information regarding the patients' diseases were collected with a data gathering sheet, and fresh morning stool samples were collected from the patients and examined for H. pylori stool antigen with the H. pylori Ag EIA test kit. The results were compared with those of healthy children from the control group.

Results

A total of 120 patients with cyclic vomiting (47.5%) and abdominal migraine (52.5%) with a mean age of 7.1 ± 3.4 (range 2-16 years) and a male-to-female ratio of 1.6 were included. The HPs Ag tests were positive in only 7 (5.8%) patients in our case group, and the HPs Ag tests were positive in 13 (13%) of the children in the control group; this difference was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

Our study did not support H. pylori infection as an etiological factor in CV or AM.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and migraine: A meta-analysis

AIM: To quantify the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and migraine.

METHODS: A systematic literature search of PubMed and EMBASE was conducted from inception to December 2013. Studies that provided data dealing with H. pylori infection in patients with migraine, as well as healthy controls, were selected. Meta-analysis was carried out using the odds ratio (OR) with a fixed or random effects model, and a 95%CI for the OR was calculated. An unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze potential parameters related to H. pylori prevalence. Subgroup analyses were conducted as methods of detection and evidence grade.

RESULTS: Five case-control studies published between 2000 and 2013 were finally identified, involving 903 patients, with a total H. pylori infection rate of 39.31%. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly greater in migraineurs than in controls (44.97% vs 33.26%, OR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.05-3.51, P = 0.001). A sensitivity test indicated that no single study dominated the combined results. Univariate regression analysis found that publication year, geographical distribution and evidence grade were relevant to the results and were the main reason for the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis found a significantly greater infection rate of H. pylori in Asian patients with migraine, but no statistically significant infection rate in European patients. The ORs were 3.48 (95%CI: 2.09-5.81, P = 0.000) and 1.19 (95%CI: 0.86-1.65, P = 0.288), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The pooled data suggest a trend of more frequent H. pylori infections in patients with migraine.

Extraintestinal manifestations of Helicobacter pylori: A concise review

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been clearly linked to peptic ulcer disease and some gastrointestinal malignancies. Increasing evidence demonstrates possible associations to disease states in other organ systems, known as the extraintestinal manifestations of H. pylori. Different conditions associated with H. pylori infection include those from hematologic, cardiopulmonary, metabolic, neurologic, and dermatologic systems. The aim of this article is to provide a concise review of the evidence that supports or refutes the associations of H. pylori and its proposed extraintestinal manifestations. Based on data from the literature, PUD, mucosal associated lymphoid tumors lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma has well-established links. Current evidence most supports extraintestinal manifestations with H. pylori in immune thrombocytopenic purpura, iron deficiency anemia, urticaria, Parkinson’s, migraines and rosacea; however, there is still plausible link with other diseases that requires further research.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori isolates from Lower Silesia, Poland

INTRODUCTION

In recent years the failure of standard therapy for Helicobacter pylori infections has been observed, which results primarily from the increasing resistance of H. pylori strains to antibiotics. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori strains isolated from adult symptomatic patients with primary infection in the Lower Silesia Region in Poland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and seventy-eight adults aged 19-89 years with dyspeptic symptoms suggesting gastroduodenal pathology were enrolled in the study. The study was performed in the years 2008-2011. Fifty H. pylori strains were isolated from gastric biopsy samples of examined patients. Antimicrobial susceptibility to 6 drugs (amoxicillin (AM), clarithromycin (CH), metronidazole (MZ), tetracycline (TC), levofloxacin (LEV), and rifabutin (RB)) was tested by the gradient-diffusion method (E-test method).

RESULTS

The incidence of H. pylori infection among examined patients was 35%. From 50 isolated H. pylori strains, 24% showed resistance to CH, 42% to MZ and 8% to LEV alone. Multidrug resistance was detected in 26% of strains, whereas 20% of isolates were resistant to MZ and CH. Examined strains were fully susceptible to AM, TC and RB.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance to clarithromycin strains isolated from adults of the Lower Silesia Region in Poland is high and is almost always associated with resistance to metronidazole (CH + MZ). It is necessary to continuously monitor H. pylori resistance to drugs used in therapy, especially to clarithromycin. Verification of the existing recommendations of eradication therapy is also needed.

Genetic Analysis of cagA and vacA Genes in Helicobacter Pylori Isolates and Their Relationship with Gastroduodenal Diseases in the West of Iran

Background

Helicobacter pylori have different virulence factors which are associated with several gastroduodenal diseases; however, this association is variable in different geographical regions. Data of genotypes of Iranian H. pylori isolates are few.

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to investigate the cagA/vacA genotypes of Helicobacter pylori isolates and determine the relationship between these genotypes with respect to different gastric disorders in patients of Chaharmahalo Bakhtiarian.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, gastric biopsies were taken from 200 patients with gastrodoudenal diseases. Histopathological features were recognized by specialist. The samples were subjected to PCR for detection and identification of ureC, cagA and vacA genes.

Results

The frequency of the vacA genotypes, sa1/m1, s1a/m1b, s1a/m2, s1b/m1a, s1b/m1b, s1b/m2, s1c/m1a, s1c/m1b, s1c/m2, s2/m1a, s2/m1b and s2/m2 were 27(6.6%), 8(4.3%), 45(28.04%), 7(3.7%), 5(2.5%), 10 (6.1%), 12 (7.4%), 4 (2.5%), 18(11%), 6(3.7%), 0 and 22(13.5%) respectively. The cagA gene was detected in 92% of strains. Based on our findings, it seemed that cagPAI and vacA s1 genotypes were associated with some gastric disorders in patients with H. pylori. In this region, the isolates carrying s1a/m2 were the most prevalent.

Conclusions

We found considerable relationship between s1a/m1a, s1a/m2, s2/m2 and s1c/m1a and some gastric disorders. Further studies about the role of H. pylori virulence factors and gastric disorders were recommended.

Evaluation of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Patients with Seronegative HbsAg

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that about 370 million people are chronic carriers of HBV worldwide. Apparently 3% of Iranian populations are chronic carriers of this virus. We aimed to evaluate the viral DNA in biological fluids of chronic hepatitis patients compared to a control group.

METHODS

The current case-control study was designed to evaluate the viral DNA in biological fluids of 70 chronic hepatitis patients compared to a control group using ELISA, PCR and Real Time.

RESULTS

All individuals (100%) in case group were HBsAg positive while in control group only 2 individuals (2.8%) were HBsAg positive. Three individuals, in control group were positive using PCR and Real Time PCR indicating that about 7% of those in control group were chronic carriers of HBV. The interesting point was the copy of viral DNA; (5.49 ×10(4), 2.162×10(3) and 7.26×10(6)) for 3 chronic carriers using sera while it was about (5.71×10(3), 1.45×10(2) and 2.56×10(5)) using ear cerumen confirming the necessity of investigating for the carriers of HBV in different biological fluid and by different methods.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded chronic carriers of hepatitis B are much more than what is diagnosed by routine diagnostic tests. On the other hand ELISA alone can not be relied on as a complete test for screening of chronic carriers in hepatitis B. PCR and Real Time PCR are more reliable tests for this purpose.

Etiology of fibromyalgia: the possible role of infection and vaccination

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a condition characterized by widespread pain and diffuse tenderness, is considered a multifactorial disorder. FMS is now recognized as one of the "central" pain syndromes. Environmental and genetic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of FMS. Various triggers including trauma and stress as well as infections, may precipitate the development of FMS. Certain infections including hepatitis C virus, HIV and Lyme disease have been temporally associated with the development of FMS. There is some evidence for the possible role of vaccinations in triggering the development of FMS and related syndromes, however this association remains to be established.