Association between multiple sclerosis and Helicobacter pylori in the acute and chronic phases of infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating autoimmune disease in the central nervous system. It is associated with several factors, one of which is Helicobacter pylori. We suggested that HP may have different effects on MS in the acute and chronic phases; therefore, we evaluated the HP and MS association in acute and chronic phases of infection. Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used for systematic search. Finally, according to the inclusion criteria, eight studies were selected. According to the result of this study, there was no significant difference in the disease duration and EDSS between MS with HP. Pooled results showed that the standard difference in the mean EDSS was - 0.910, and the standard difference in the mean duration was - 0.067. Also, by comparing antibody levels in the acute and chronic phases of HP with the control group. Finally, we evaluate the mean EDSS between the two phases of infection, which shows that the mean EDSS and the clinical weaknesses of MS in the acute phase were slightly higher than in the chronic. In conclusion, HP infection can have a stimulating or inhibiting effect on the immune system based on the onset and activity of the infection.