IgE levels are increased in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

Studies have not been able to prove an association between allergy and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The goal of this study is to evaluate the association of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, as a criterion for the presence of allergy, and H. pylori infection. Methods and Materials: Seventy two patients with dyspepsia referring to endoscopy were included in this study. Anti-H. pylori IgG, anti-H. pylori-CagA IgG, and total plasma IgE levels were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and then statistically analyzed. Results: Forty out of 72 patients had H. pylori infection, out of which 32 patients were CagA positive. Mean IgE level had a significant increase in the patients with H. pylori infection (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between IgE levels of the CagA-positive and -negative groups (p=0.175). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a clear association between allergy and H. pylori infection