Helicobacter pylori seropositivity protects against childhood asthma and inversely correlates to its clinical and functional severity

Abstract Background In recent years, the prevalence of asthma has risen in developed countries, and its extent related to a change in our indigenous microbiota. Helicobacter pylori disappearance across the population represents a fundamental change in our human microbiota and has preceded the rise in asthma prevalence. Objective To assess the relationship between childhood asthma and Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods Quantitative determination of Helicobacter pylori IgG among 90 asthmatic children and 90 – age and gender – matched non-atopic, non-asthmatic healthy children was performed using ELISA in serum of all participants. Results Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivity was found in 25.6% of asthmatics compared to 44.4% of controls. Asthmatics showed lower median Helicobacter pylori IgG titre compared to healthy controls. We also detected a significant inverse relationship between Helicobacter pylori IgG titre and asthma severity. Conclusion Helicobacter pylori seropositivity protects against childhood asthma and inversely correlates to its clinical and functional severity.