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Helicobacter pylori infection in Neuromyelitis Optica and Multiple Sclerosis

Youming Long1, Cong Gao, Wei Qiu

  • 1Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Neuroscience, and Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.

Neuroimmunomodulation
|January 9, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Helicobacter pylori infection is common in patients with Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) spectrum disorders and may be a risk factor. This study investigated H. pylori status in NMO and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) spectrum disorders and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.
  • The role of infectious agents, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), in the pathogenesis of these conditions is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients diagnosed with NMO spectrum disorders and MS.
  • To explore the potential association between H. pylori seropositivity and these neurological conditions, including the presence of Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies.

Main Methods:

  • H. pylori infection status was determined using an indirect immunofluorescence assay.
  • Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody detection was performed via a cell-based assay.
  • Seroprevalence of H. pylori was assessed in patients with NMO, high-risk NMO (hrNMO), MS, and healthy controls, followed by logistic regression analysis.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of H. pylori antibodies was observed across all groups, with seropositivity rates of 90.4% in NMO, 95.8% in hrNMO, 73.8% in MS, and 59.3% in controls.
  • NMO spectrum patients exhibited significantly higher H. pylori positivity compared to MS patients and controls (p < 0.05).
  • H. pylori seropositivity was significantly associated with hrNMO (OR = 9.311, p = 0.005) and the combined hrNMO + NMO group (OR = 6.350, p = 0.028).

Conclusions:

  • Helicobacter pylori infection is highly prevalent in Chinese patients with NMO and hrNMO.
  • H. pylori infection may represent a potential risk factor contributing to the development of the NMO spectrum disorders.

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