Correlation Between H elicobacter pylori Infection, I g E Hypersensitivity, and Allergic Disease in K orean Adults

Background The correlation between allergic disease and H elicobacter pylori infection is still controversial in endemic areas. The aim of this study was to determine whether H . pylori infection is related to allergic disease and/or immunoglobulin E ( I g E ) hypersensitivity in K orean adults. Materials and Methods Consecutive K orean adults who visited our center for a routine checkup were enrolled. All subjects completed a questionnaire that was designed to ascertain their medical history pertaining to physician‐diagnosed allergic disease, allergy treatments, and H . pylori eradication therapy. Blood was sampled for serum anti‐ H . pylori I g G antibody. I g E hypersensitivity was measured using a commercially available I mmuno CAP ® P hadiatop ( P hadia AB , U ppsala, S weden). Results Of the 3376 K orean adults who were enrolled, 62 did not answer to the questionnaires adequately and were thus excluded. The proportion of noninfected subjects ( p  <   .001) and the prevalence of I g E ‐related allergic disease ( p  <   .001) were both highest among those aged <40 years, while the prevalence of non‐ I g E ‐related allergic disease was highest among those aged ≥70 years ( p  <   .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being younger than 40 years was significantly related to the absence of H . pylori infection ( OR  = 2.507, 95% CI  = 1.621–3.878, p  <   .001). Conclusions The statuses of H . pylori infection, I g E hypersensitivity, and allergic diseases differ with age group, there being a higher prevalence of I g E ‐related allergic disease and a lower H . pylori infection rate among young adults. The hygiene hypothesis might explain these findings in young K oreans, due to the rapid development and improvements in sanitation in K orea.