Helicobacter pylori seropositivity protects against childhood asthma and inversely correlates to its clinical and functional severity

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the prevalence of asthma has risen in developed countries, and its extent related to a change in our indigenous microbiota. Helicobacter pylori disappearance across the population represents a fundamental change in our human microbiota and has preceded the rise in asthma prevalence.

Objective: To assess the relationship between childhood asthma and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Methods: Quantitative determination of Helicobacter pylori IgG among 90 asthmatic children and 90 - age and gender - matched non-atopic, non-asthmatic healthy children was performed using ELISA in serum of all participants.

Results: Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivity was found in 25.6% of asthmatics compared to 44.4% of controls. Asthmatics showed lower median Helicobacter pylori IgG titre compared to healthy controls. We also detected a significant inverse relationship between Helicobacter pylori IgG titre and asthma severity.

Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori seropositivity protects against childhood asthma and inversely correlates to its clinical and functional severity.

Keywords: Bronchial asthma; Childhood; Helicobacter pylori; Microbiota.