Impact of Active Helicobacter Pylori Infection on Disability and Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis

Sahar A.  Taha; Iman Nozad  Mahmood; Mufeed Taha; Esraa Abdulkareem  Mohammed

doi:10.47419/bjbabs.v7i2.445

Authors

Sahar A. Taha Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2070-1557
Iman Nozad Mahmood Kirkuk General Education Directorate, Open College of Education, Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8445-8706
Mufeed Akram Taha Professor of Neurology, Department of Medicine,College of Medicine, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5726-0733
Esraa Abdulkareem Mohammed Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8425-6040

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47419/bjbabs.v7i2.445

Keywords:

Multiple sclerosis, Helicobacter pylori, Expanded disability status scale, Stool antigen test

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, and demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, affecting primarily adults. The disease involves the immune system that damages the myelin sheath of neurons, but its exact cause remains unclear. Multiple sclerosis is believed to be multifactorial, with genetic, environmental, infectious, and noninfectious factors, including vitamin D deficiency, low sun exposure, obesity in childhood or adolescence, and smoking, associated with increased risk.
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between an active Helicobacter pylori infection and the progression of MS, particularly its effect on the rate of relapse and the progression of disability associated with the disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kirkuk MS Clinic at Azadi Teaching Hospital. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with MS according to the McDonald criteria, who were divided into two groups: MS with positive and negative H. pylori. The collected clinical data included demographic characteristics, disease duration, relapse history, and disability scores.
Results: A significant difference in relapse and disability EDSS scores (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) was observed; however, no significant differences were observed in sex, age, or disease duration between the two groups.
Conclusion: H. pylori infection may lead to more severe and disabling forms of MS, suggesting the importance of screening for and management of MS patients.