Helicobacter pylori seropositivity is associated with antinuclear antibodies in US adults, NHANES 1999–2000. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meier, H. C. S.; Miller, F. W.; Dinse, G. E.; Weinberg, C. R.; Cho, C. C.; Parks, C. G.
• Is Part Of: Epidemiology and infection. Volume 148(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Antinuclear antibodies, -- autoimmunity, -- epidemiology, -- H. pylori; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1017/S0950268820000126
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-2688

Abstract

Abstract: Infectious diseases, such as Helicobacter pylori, which produce systemic inflammation may be one key factor in the onset of autoimmunity. The association between H. pylori and antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a marker of autoimmunity, has been understudied. Data from the 1999–2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to evaluate the cross-sectional association between H. pylori seroprevalence and ANA positivity in US adults aged ≥20 years. ANA was measured in a 1:80 dilution of sera by indirect immunofluorescence using HEp-2 cells (positive ⩾3). H. pylori immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to categorise individuals as seropositive or seronegative. H. pylori seropositivity and ANA positivity were common in the adult US population, with estimated prevalences of 33.3% and 9.9%, respectively. Both were associated with increasing age. H. pylori seropositivity was associated with higher odds of ANA (prevalence odds ratio = 1.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.08–3.33), adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment and body mass index. H. pylori infection may be one key factor in the loss of self-tolerance, contributing to immune dysfunction.