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Published on: May 23, 2025

Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in hepatitis C virus positive patients with cirrhosis

R Pellicano1, N Leone, M Berrutti

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Italy.

Journal of Hepatology
|November 4, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is significantly more common in liver cirrhosis patients (89%) compared to controls (59%). This high prevalence may explain frequent ulcers and impact prognosis in hepatitis C virus-infected individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Liver cirrhosis is a major cause of mortality and hospitalization in Italy.
  • Acute peptic ulcers and upper gastrointestinal bleeding affect over a third of cirrhosis patients.
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a known risk factor for peptic ulcer disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with liver cirrhosis.
  • To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and liver cirrhosis.
  • To explore the potential impact of H. pylori on the prognosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted.
  • 254 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis were compared with 463 age- and sex-matched controls.
  • H. pylori infection was assessed by detecting antibodies.

Main Results:

  • Antibodies to H. pylori were found in 89% of cirrhotic patients (226/254).
  • In the control group, 59% (275/463) tested positive for H. pylori antibodies.
  • The difference in H. pylori prevalence between cirrhotic patients and controls was statistically significant (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

  • The high prevalence of H. pylori infection in liver cirrhosis patients likely contributes to the frequent occurrence of gastroduodenal ulcers.
  • H. pylori infection may influence the prognosis of patients with HCV-related cirrhosis.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms and clinical implications.
Abstract

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