Assessment of Helicobacter pylori Serology in Relation to Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Maryum Raheem¹, Mazhar Nazir¹, Um-E-Habiba-U-Nisa² , Muhammad Uzair³

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is highly prevalent worldwide and has been implicated in extragastric manifestations, including chronic liver disease. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between H. pylori infection and the progression of HCV-related liver pathology. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of H. pylori in patients infected with HCV compared to non-HCV controls in selected tertiary care hospitals of the capital territories of Pakistan. A total of 80 serum samples were collected, comprising 40 HCV-positive and 40 HCV-negative individuals, from four major hospitals in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Serological analysis was performed to detect H. pylori infection. Genderbased distribution and prevalence rates were calculated and compared between groups. Among HCV-positive individuals, 50% (20/ 40) were seropositive for H. pylori. Of these, 43.33% (13/30) were males and 70% (7/10) were females. In contrast, among HCV-negative individuals, 25% (10/40) were positive for H. pylori, with a prevalence of 15% (3/20) in males and 35% (7/20) in females. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in HCV-infected patients compared to controls. The findings also suggest gender-related differences in coinfection patterns. The increased prevalence of H. pylori among HCV-infected patients supports previous reports indicating a possible role of Helicobacter species in hepatic inflammation and disease progression. Chronic HCV infection is characterized by persistent inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, while H. pylori is a potent inducer of inflammatory cascades and may exacerbate hepatic injury. Socioeconomic and environmental factors, including overcrowding and poor sanitation, may contribute to higher coinfection rates in the studied population. The study demonstrates a higher seropreprevalence of H. pylori infection among HCVpositive individuals compared to non-infected controls, suggesting a potential association between H. pylori and progression of HCVrelated liver disease. These findings highlight the need for further prospective studies to evaluate the impact of H. pylori eradication on clinical outcomes in patients with chronic HCV infection.