Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Acute Stroke

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection (HBPI) is an independent risk factor for acute noncardioembolic stroke, and also if there is a link between HBPI and other established  and well-known risk factors for stroke, as well, to find if there is link between HBPI and severity of disease. In this prospective single centre study where enrolled 82 patients with acute stroke and control group was consistented 93 healthy individuals. The results of this study showed no difference between H.pylori seropositivity distribution in the investigate and control group (25.8 vs . 34.8%), additionally, there was no significant difference on the severity of  the disease. Furthermore there was no evident association between acute stroke and HBPI in the patientes with three and more risk factors, but we found significant link between HBPI and carotid stenosis. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible causal relation between infection by this organism and stroke. It is necessary not only  the elucidate of pathophysiology related to the association, but also to evaluate whether antibiotic treatment may result in clinical benefit of the patient.