Helicobacter Pylori does not play a role in the aetiology of acute appendicitis

The aetiology of acute appendicitis remains uncertain.H. pylori is viable outside the gastroduodenum, however its pathological role outside this area has not been fully investigated. Ten consecutive patients with a histological diagnosis of acute appendicitis were investigated forH. pylori status by serology, and by culture, histology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the appendiceal specimens. One patient had positive serology forH. pylori, however, PCR analysis was negative. Culture failed to revealH. pylori colonies. Histology in 5 cases did reveal organisms with a morphological appearance ofH. pylori, but PCR analysis confirmed thatH. pylori was not present. Using a variety of methods, with PCR acting as the ’gold standard’, we have shown thatH. pylori is not associated with acute appendicitis.