Is H. pylori Protective Against BE?

A current, appropriately controlled study illustrated a strong inverse association between H. pylori antibody status and risk for BE.

In studies in which the relation between Helicobacter pylori infection and Barrett esophagus were evaluated, researchers have reported conflicting results, but most have suggested a connection between H. pylori’s falling prevalence and esophageal carcinoma, of which BE might be a precursor. However, most of these studies have involved patients who were undergoing endoscopy and have lacked appropriate nonendoscopic controls.

To remedy this study limitation, researchers in the U.S. evaluated the association between H. pylori (and its cytotoxin-associated gene A-positive [CagA⁺] strain) and BE in a nested case-control study of 318 patients with new diagnoses of BE; 312 patients with uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease; and 299 age-, s…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors