Helicobacter pylori Infection and Extragastric Autoimmune Conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65420/sjphrt.v1i2.138Keywords:
Helicobacter pylori, extragastric manifestations, autoimmune disease, molecular mimicry, eradication therapy, dermatology, neurology, cardiology, pediatric, narrative reviewAbstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium chronically infecting nearly half the global population. While its gastroduodenal pathogenicity is firmly established, it is now recognized as a systemic immunomodulatory pathogen with significant extragastric consequences. This comprehensive narrative review examines the association between H. pylori infection and a broad spectrum of extragastric autoimmune and immune-mediated conditions spanning hematological, endocrine, dermatological, cardiovascular, neurological, and pediatric domains. The review discusses the immunological mechanisms underlying these associations — including molecular mimicry, chronic cytokine dysregulation, regulatory T-cell dysfunction, and impaired nutrient absorption — and evaluates the clinical evidence for H. pylori eradication as a therapeutic strategy. Conditions reviewed include immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), iron deficiency anemia (IDA), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), vitamin B12 deficiency, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), psoriasis, rosacea, ischemic heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, migraine, and pediatric-specific manifestations. The findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to H. pylori management and highlight the medical laboratory's central role in diagnosis, monitoring, and guiding eradication therapy. Clinical recommendations are provided for each condition based on current evidence.
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