Relevance of Helicobacter pylori infection in Egyptian multiple sclerosis patients

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder. The etiology of MS remains unknown exactly. Helicobacter pylori heat shock proteins were suggested as a potential trigger of immune system causing MS.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the level of anti-Helicobacter pylori heat shock proteins 60 (Hp hsp60) antibodies at patients of MS and to correlate it with various epidemiological and clinical data.Subjects and methodsThis study design was a cross-sectional case control one. A total of 65 patients with multiple sclerosis diagnosed according to 2010 revised McDonald criteria and other 65 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. All participants were subjected to full history taking, complete neurological examination including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for the patients, measurement of serum level of anti-Hp hsp60 IgG using ELISA technique, and MRI brain for all the patients, being a goldstone for inclusion in the study.ResultsThere was statistically significant high level of anti-Hp hsp60 IgG at MS patients especially secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients. Moreover, a positive statistically significant correlation was found between it and age of patients, duration of illness, and EDSS.ConclusionWe conclude that hsp60 of Hp may be a useful biomarker for attesting course progression in MS.