Abstract

*Mahmoud Ruhollah, Mohsen Majid and Behzad Khatima

This study is aimed at comparing serum Helicobacter pylori antibodies and H. pylori–DNA in tissue between cases with nasal polyps and controls. A case control study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Rasul Hospital, Tehran, Persia between 2007 and 2008 upon polyp tissues from 62 nasal polyposis cases and inferior nasal turbinate mucosa from 25 controls. H. pylori-DNA was assessed by qualitative PCR and specific H. pylori antibodies (IgG and IgA) were detected in serum by ELISA method and compared between the two groups. P<0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of cases and controls were 37.5±13.7 and 31±11.5 years, respectively. H. pylori –DNA was detected in 32.3% (20/62) of nasal polyposis cases and 4% (1/25) of controls (P value<0.005). H. pylori antibodies (IgA) were detected in serum of 14.5% (9/62) cases and 4% (1/25) of controls (P=0.27). Previous immunity (IgG) was observed more often in the serum of nasal polyposis cases (44/62, 71%) vs controls (8/25, 32%) (P=0.001). A possible role for H. pylori infection in nasal polyps was defined. We recommend PCR as the best method for evaluating H. pylori infection. Whether or not H. pylori play a pathogenic role could not be determined from the data obtained in this investigation. If such a correlation is established in future studies, long-term antibiotic treatment in cases with nasal polyp that do not respond to surgery or steroids may be useful.