Pilot Study of Helicobacter Pylori and Ocular Surface Disease
Helicobacter pylori, one of the world's most prevalent pathogens, is a spiral-shaped,
catalase-positive, Gram-negative rod with 4-6 sheathed flagella attached to one pole which
allow for motility. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in humans is high; 50% of those
over the age of 60 are infected. H. pylori infection causes chronic gastric inflammation,
ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma. Further, chronic antigenic stimulation driven by H.
pylori infection has been linked to the development of gastric mucosa associated lymphoid
tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Infection with H. pylori induces a vigorous immune response
resulting in the presence of local and systemic antibodies. H. pylori-specific
immunoglobulin G antibodies present in serum, plasma, whole blood, saliva, gastric juice and
urine have each been used to successfully detect the presence of infection in adults. The
sensitivity and specificity of serological tests range from 80% to 95% depending upon the
assay used. H. Pylori infection is characteristically associated with a vigorous
inflammatory response and we have recently identified H. Pylori DNA in conjunctival MALT
lymphoma using molecular diagnostic techniques. Ocular surface inflammation is a cardinal
feature of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Since we identified H. Pylori DNA in conjunctival
MALT lymphoma we hypothesize that chronic infection may also be capable of triggering
chronic ocular surface inflammation as seen in keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The purpose of
this pilot study is to determine whether H. pylori DNA is detectable in the conjunctiva of
seropositive KCS patients.
Observational
N/A
United States: Federal Government
040190
NCT00083291
May 2004
March 2005
Name | Location |
---|---|
National Eye Institute (NEI) | Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |