The relation between helicobacter pylori infection and the severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract EN

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.