The effect of different strains of Helicobacter pylori on platelet aggregation

Helicobacter pylori is the major causative agent in peptic ulcer disease and is strongly implicated in the development of gastric cancer. It has also been linked, less strongly, to cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms by which certain strains of H pylori induce platelet aggregation through interactions with platelet glycoprotein Ib have been previously described.

In the present study, 21 different strains of H pylori, varying in their vacuolating toxin gene, cytotoxic-associated gene A status and other pathogenicity factors, were tested for their ability to induce platelet aggregation.

Ten of the 21 strains induced platelet aggregation, a response that appeared to be independent of their vacuolating toxin gene and cytotoxic-associated gene A status.

Platelet aggregation has been suggested to be one of the possible mechanisms involved in the effects on the cardiovascular system induced by H pylori. Our results suggest that any putative role H pylori plays in cardiovascular disease may be strain dependent. Further work to identify the H pylori factors involved in induction of platelet aggregation may allow for identification of 'higher risk' strains for cardiovascular disease.