Association of chronic urticaria with Helicobacter Pylori infection in Erbil: A case-control study

Background and objective: Chronic urticaria is one of the most frequent skin diseases and still its etiology is recognized only in a minority of cases. Some recent studies point out to infections due to Helicobacter Pylori as being of major importance in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria. This study aimed to find out the association of chronic urticaria with H. pylori. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Erbil city within the period of April 1st, 2013 to January 1st, 2014. The study included 55 cases with chronic urticaria and 55 controls that were free from features of chronic urticaria. Data was collected through direct interview and the results of laboratory investigations were recorded in a specially designed questionnaire.  Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test was used for detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in the stool sample. Results: The age of the 55 cases and 55 controls enrolled ranged from 13 to 65 years. Stool for Helicobacter pylori antigen test was positive in 69.1% of cases and 29.1% of controls (OR = 5.44, P ˂0.001). The mean age ± SD of positive Helicobacter pylori patients were 35.75 ± 12.64 years, with male to female ratio 1:2.8. No statistically significant association was found between Helicobacter Pylori infection with dyspepsia and duration of urticaria. Conclusions: There was a strong association of chronic urticaria with Helicobacter pylori infection. Investigating for Helicobacter pylori in all cases of chronic urticaria and conducting further trials on Helicobacter pylori eradication is recommended.