Association between helicobacter pylori and open angle glaucoma: current perspective

No Association between CagA- and VacA-Positive Strains of Helicobacter pylori and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION

Glaucoma is a public health issue worldwide, particularly in Africa. In Cameroon, the prevalence rate of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) ranges between 4.5% and 8.2%. Helicobacter pylori (HP) has been implicated in digestive and extra-digestive diseases, including glaucoma. The objective of this work was to evaluate the implication of CagA- and VacA-positive strains of HP in POAG using a case-control design.

METHODS

An analytical study was conducted from October 2013 to December 2013. Participants were recruited in eye care centers in Yaoundé. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were carried out in the La Grace Laboratory in Yaoundé.

RESULTS

The total sample consisted of 50 POAG patients and 31 controls with a mean age of 58.5 ± 12.2 years and 45.5 ± 14.6 years, respectively. The prevalence rates of HP in the POAG and control groups were 74% (37/50) and 87% (27/31), respectively (P = 0.125). The prevalence rates of CagA-positive HP seropositivity in the POAG and control groups were 26% and 22.58%, respectively (P = 0.47), and the prevalence rates of VacA-positive HP participants were 6% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.22).

CONCLUSION

The HP prevalence rates among POAG patients and controls were 74% and 87%, respectively. There was no significant difference between prevalence rates of HP in the POAG and control groups. There was no association between POAG and CagA- or VacA-positive HP infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection and primary open-angle glaucoma: is there a connection?

Glaucoma, the most common form of which is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), is a neurodegenerative disease which is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. Among the factors that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disease is infection with Helicobacter pylori. This alleged association has caused a great deal of scientific discussion during the past decade, as the establishment of such a correlation might lead to therapeutic applications for all glaucoma patients. In this review, we assess all relevant major studies and trials in an effort to elucidate the issue.