Helicobacter pylori infection and atopic diseases:Is there a relationship? A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To review and conduct a meta-analysis of the existing literature on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),atopy and allergic diseases.METHODS:Studies published in English assessing the prevalence of atopy and/or allergic diseases in patients with H.pylori infection and the prevalence of H.pylori infection in patients with atopy and/or allergic diseases were identified through a MEDLINE search(1950-2014).Random-effect model was used for the meta-analysis.RESULTS:Pooled results of case-control studies showed a significant inverse association of H.pylori infection with atopy/allergic disease or with exclusively atopy,but not with allergic disease,whereas pooled results of cross-sectional studies showed only a significant association between allergic disease and H.pylori infection.CONCLUSION:There is some evidence of an inverse association between atopy/allergic diseases and H.pylori infection,although further studied are needed.