Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and food-specific immunoglobulin G in Southwest China

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been found to be associated with extragastrointestinal diseases, possibly including adverse food reactions (such as food allergy or intolerance). However, there are few studies on H. pylori and food allergy or intolerance, and the results are inconsistent.

Research motivation

Food-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G has been revealed to be associated with food allergy or intolerance and can be used as a marker to explore the correlation between H. pylori infection and food allergy or intolerance.

Research objectives

To explore the relationship between H. pylori infection and food-specific IgG.

Research methods

H. pylori infection was detected with the ¹³C urea breath test. Food-specific IgG of eggs, milk and wheat was detected in serum. Subjects were grouped according to H. pylori positivity, and the positive rates of three kinds of food-specific IgG were compared between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between H. pylori infection and food-specific IgG.

Research results

In the H. pylori-positive groups, the positive rates of food-specific IgG of eggs, milk and wheat were all lower than those in the H. pylori-negative groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that H. pylori infection was negatively correlated with the food-specific IgG-positive rates of eggs, milk, and wheat.

Research conclusions

H. pylori infection was negatively correlated with the food-specific IgG of eggs, milk and wheat in Southwest China.

Research perspectives

Our study might reflect only a negative association between H. pylori infection and food-specific IgG rather than causality. Establishing relevant animal models and exploring the underlying mechanism based on immunity or a well-designed clinical intervention study may help to verify our findings. Moreover, finding additional similar “protective” effects in asymptomatic patients with H. pylori infection may help us reassess the role of H. pylori in the body and provide advisable suggestions for medical decisions.