Frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients of acne vulgaris

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common complaint throughout the world, contributing to both morbidity and healthcare costs. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is also a world heath problem, and recent evidence suggests that two conditions may be related. However, there is insignificant evidence to support a casual association of HP infection and acne vulgaris. Aim: To determine the frequency of helicobacter pylori infection in patients of acne vulgaris Study design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Settings and duration: Dermatology Department, Liaquat University of medical and health Sciences (LUMHS), Civil Hospital, Hyderabad from 22nd August 2017 to 21st February 2018 Methods: A total of 135 patients, 13 to 30 years of age of both genders with acne vulgaris were included in this study. Patients with H Pylori infection positive without acne vulgaris, family history helicobacter pylori infection, chronic smoker or alcoholics were excluded. Patients were subjected to relevant investigations i.e. HP antibody titer, for that blood sample of each patient was sent to institutional pathology laboratory for measuring of serum levels of anti H. Pylori IgG antibodies where each report was prepared by consultant pathologist. Results: Mean age was 23.33 +/- 4.14 years. Out of these 135 patients, 48 (35.56%) were females and 87 (64.44%) were males with female to male ratio of 1:1.8. Frequency of helicobacter pylori infection in patients of acne vulgaris was seen in 107 (79.26%) patients. Conclusion: This study concluded that frequency of helicobacter pylori infection in patients of acne vulgaris is very high and these patients should be screened for helicobacter pylori infection