Helicobacter pylori infection and prevalence of stroke

Background: Helicobacter pylori causes peptic ulcer disease; however, conflicting evidence exists regarding its role in extragastric conditions. We aimed to examine associations of H pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease with stroke. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using data of 147 936 individuals aged 25-95 years who underwent the urea breath test during 2002-2012, based on the computerized database of the second largest health maintenance organization in Israel. Logistic regression models were fitted to control for potential confounders. Results: Overall, 1397 (0.9%) patients had stroke and 76 965 (52.0%) had a H pylori positive test. The likelihood of prevalent stroke increased in relation to H pylori infection: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.16 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.04-1.29), gastric ulcer: aOR 1.50 (95% CI: 1.18-1.91), and duodenal ulcer: aOR 1.25 (95% CI: 1.07-1.46). Conclusions: The results support the premise that stroke may be associated with a history of H pylori infection.