Association of Helicobacter Pylori Infection with Cardiovascular Diseases Subjects from Cameroon, Using GastroPanel® Serological Biomarker Panel (Pepsinogen I; Pepsinogen II; Gastrin-17; Helicobacter Pylori IgG)

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with gastrointestinal diseases including atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated associations between H. pylori infection andextra gastrointestinal organ involvements including coronary artery disease and peripherical artery disease, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and hematologic disorders. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients suffering cardiovascular diseases attending the Yaounde Central Hospital.

Materials and Methods: Patients suffering from various cardiovascular complications were recruited at the Yaounde Central Hospital, between January and May 2019. The clinical and socio-demographic information of the patients was recorded. Five ml of blood were collected aseptically for Pepsinogen I and II enzymes, gastrin17 hormone and IgG anti H. pylori anti-body. The test parameters were analyzed using a GastroSoft software application. The data was analyzed using Epi Info 7.0. All statistics were 95% CI. Ethical clearance was also obtained from the National Ethics Committee. The study was accepted by the authorities of the Yaounde CentralHospital. All patients signed an informed consent form.

Results: A total of 62 subjects were recruited aged 30-75 years, (mean±SD 52.03 ± 12,78 years); 34(54,84%) females aged 30 to 75years (mean±SD 54,47 ± 13,47 years) and 28 (45,16%) males aged 30 to 65,(mean±SD 49,07± 11,44years). Female/male ratio was 1:2. H. pylori seropisitivity occurred in 58 (93,55%) of the subjects (IgG ≥30 EIU). H. pylori seropositivity was significantly associated with high blood pressure (RR=2.2 95%C.I 1.67 -2.96, p=0, 024). Significantly low Triglyceride concentrations were observed in H. pyloripositive(0,51±0,03g/l) compared to negative subjects (1,04 ± 0,50g/l), (p=0.03). A significant inverse correlation was observed between IgG levels and blood glucose levels (r= 0,4 p=0, 004).

Conclussion: The study indicates that H. pylori infection is highly associated with various cardiovascular complications and disease risk factors.