The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in skin diseases: Facts and controversies

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that is considered a causative agent of peptic ulcer disease, gastric lymphoma, and gastric carcinoma. HI pylori triggers an intense leucocyte infiltration of the gastric submucosa, an action that is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. Because this pathogenetic mechanism is common to many other diseases, H pylori seroprevalence has also been investigated in other diseases. H pylori seropositivity is associated with various dermatologic disorders. Although the precise role of H pylori is unknown in these diseases, the organism can be eradicated, using simple and reliable drug regimens. This contribution highlights the dermatologic diseases associated with H pylori seropositivity. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.