The significant prevalence of H. pylori in COVID-19 patients calls for routine testing, interdisciplinary research, and increased public awareness to enhance patient care and outcomes.
A recent study published in the “JGH Open” journal highlighted the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in COVID-19 patients, especially those with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The study, conducted by Amin Saeedi et al., sought to examine the role of H. pylori in COVID-19 patients both with and without GI issues.
This case-control study involved 190 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, split into two groups: Case group (95 COVID-infected individuals with GI symptoms) and, Control group (95 COVID-infected individuals without GI symptoms). H. pylori was detected via noninvasive diagnostic tools, such as serology and H. pylori stool antigen test.
Researchers found that 55.8% of patients with GI symptoms tested positive for H. pylori, compared to 50.5% in those without GI symptoms. In the case group of 53, a noteworthy link was found between H. pylori infection and the usage of Pantoprazole, narcotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), peptic ulcers, underlying conditions, and H2 blockers in coronavirus-infected patients (P-value < 0.05), refer to Table 1:
H. pylori could be an overlooked factor in managing COVID-19, particularly in patients with digestive complaints, as concluded.
JGH Open
Comparison of Helicobacter pylori in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms
Amin Saeedi et al.
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