Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

An increased seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and especially of the high virulent cytotoxin-associated gene-A (CagA) positive strains has been found in several extragastroduodenal pathologies, characterized by activation of inflammatory mediators. Moreover, it has been reported that the risk of chronic bronchitis may be increased in H. pylori infected patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the seroprevalence of H. pylori and in particular of CagA-positive virulent strains in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We evaluated 126 COPD patients (88 males and 38 females, aged 61.3+/-8.1 years) and 126, age and sex-matched, control subjects. All subjects enrolled underwent an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG serologic test for H. pylori and CagA protein. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients and controls was 77.8% and 54.7%, respectively (P<0.001) and that of CagA-positive H. pylori infection was 53.9% and 29.3%, respectively (P<0.001). Moreover, COPD patients had a significantly increased mean serum concentration of both anti-H. pylori IgG (118.3+/-24.4 vs. 61.9+/-12.9U/ml, P<0.001) and anti-CagA IgG antibodies (33.8+/-3.4 vs. 19.0+/-1.5U/ml, P<0.001). Finally, no statistically significant difference, as regards the spirometric values, was detected between H. pylori infected COPD patients and uninfected ones. In conclusion, H. pylori infection may be associated with COPD. Further studies should be undertaken to clarify the potential underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.

Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in patients with lung cancer.

AIM: To assess Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) seroprevalence in a cohort of Greek patients with lung cancer. METHODS: Seventy-two lung cancer patients (55 males and 17 females, aged 58.2+/-11.7 years) and 68, age and gender-matched, control subjects were enrolled. All subjects underwent an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay IgG serologic test for H pylori diagnosis. RESULTS: A correlation between age and H pylori IgG level was detected for both lung cancer patients (r = 0.42, P = 0.004) and controls (r = 0.44, P = 0.004). Seropositivity for H pylori did not differ significantly between patients with lung cancer and controls (61.1% vs 55.9%, P>0.05). Concerning the mean serum concentration of IgG antibodies against H pylori, no significant difference between the two groups was detected (32.6+/-19.1 vs 27.4+/-18.3 U/mL, P>0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant association between H pylori infection and lung cancer was found.

Severe community-acquired pneumonia with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to primary infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae in a previously healthy adult.

Community-acquired pneumonia due to Chlamydia pneumoniae is associated with a benign clinical course. Severe, life-threatening pneumonia is rare and occurs only in immunocompromised hosts. We report a case of severe pneumonia complicated by acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to primary infection with C. pneumoniae in a previously healthy 46-year-old woman.