Asthma and H. pylori: A Study on Their Relationship
Author Information
Author(s): Reibman Joan, Marmor Michael, Filner Joshua, Fernandez-Beros Maria-Elena, Rogers Linda, Perez-Perez Guillermo I., Blaser Martin J.
Primary Institution: New York University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
H. pylori serostatus would be inversely related to the presence of asthma.
Conclusion
The study suggests that colonization with CagA+ H. pylori strains is inversely associated with asthma and is linked to an older age of asthma onset.
Supporting Evidence
- Asthma cases and controls differed in atopy and lung function.
- Seropositivity to H. pylori was present in 47.1% of the study population.
- Asthma was inversely associated with CagA seropositivity.
- Median age of asthma onset was older in individuals with CagA+ strains.
Takeaway
This study found that people with a certain type of bacteria in their stomachs (H. pylori) might have asthma less often and get diagnosed with it later in life.
Methodology
Adults with asthma and controls were recruited, and serum IgG antibodies to H. pylori were measured.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias or delay in doctor diagnosis could affect the results.
Limitations
The study does not know the age at which H. pylori was acquired, and there may be confounding factors such as antibiotic use.
Participant Demographics
The study included a racially and ethnically diverse urban population.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.36–0.89
Statistical Significance
p=0.006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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