Helicobacter pylori coinfection is a confounder, modulating mucosal inflammation in oral submucous fibrosis
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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies
Published on: October 18, 2018
R Rajendran1, R Rajeev, S Anil
1King Saud University College of Dentistry, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Unlabelled:
The oral cavity has been considered a potential reservoir for Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) , from where the organism causes recurrent gastric infections.
Aim:
With this case-control study we tried to evaluate the role of H pylori in the etiology of mucosal inflammation, a condition that compounds the morbid state associated with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).
Materials And Methods:
Subjects ( n = 150) were selected following institutional regulations on sample collection and grouped into test cases and positive and negative controls based on the presence of mucosal fibrosis and inflammation. The negative controls had none of the clinical signs. All patients underwent an oral examination as well as tests to assess oral hygiene/periodontal disease status; a rapid urease test (RUT) of plaque samples was also done to estimate the H pylori bacterial load. We used univariate and mutivariate logistic regression for statistical analysis of the data and calculated the odds ratios to assess the risk posed by the different variables.
Results:
The RUT results differed significantly between the groups, reflecting the variations in the bacterial loads in each category. The test was positive in 52% in the positive controls (where nonspecific inflammation of oral mucosa was seen unassociated with fibrosis), in 46% of the test cases, and in 18% of the negative controls (healthy volunteers) (chi2 = 13.887; P < 0.01). A positive correlation was seen between the oral hygiene/periodontal disease indices and RUT reactivity in all the three groups.
Conclusions:
The contribution of the H pylori in dental plaque to mucosal inflammation and periodontal disease was significant. Logistic regression analysis showed gastrointestinal disease and poor oral hygiene as being the greatest risk factors for bacterial colonization, irrespective of the subject groups. A positive correlation exists between RUT reactivity and the frequency of mucosal inflammation.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) in dental plaque significantly contributes to oral mucosal inflammation and periodontal disease. Poor oral hygiene and gastrointestinal issues are key risk factors for H pylori colonization.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The oral cavity is a potential reservoir for Helicobacter pylori (H pylori).
- H pylori infections can recur in the gastric system.
- Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is often compounded by mucosal inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of H pylori in the etiology of oral mucosal inflammation.
- To assess the association between H pylori, mucosal inflammation, and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 150 subjects categorized into test cases, positive controls, and negative controls.
- Oral examinations, oral hygiene/periodontal disease assessments, and rapid urease tests (RUT) on plaque samples were performed.
- Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors.
Main Results:
- H pylori was detected in 52% of positive controls, 46% of test cases, and 18% of negative controls (p < 0.01).
- A significant positive correlation was observed between oral hygiene/periodontal disease indices and RUT reactivity across all groups.
- RUT results varied significantly, indicating differences in H pylori bacterial loads.
Conclusions:
- H pylori in dental plaque significantly contributes to oral mucosal inflammation and periodontal disease.
- Gastrointestinal disease and poor oral hygiene are major risk factors for H pylori colonization.
- A positive correlation exists between H pylori detection (RUT reactivity) and the incidence of mucosal inflammation.
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