Helicobacter Pylori Infection Reduces the Risk of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study in Iran

Abstract

Background: Some studies have indicated a protective role of H. pylori against risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The purpose of this study was to explore this possible relationship in a case-control study. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients diagnosed with ESCC and 100 healthy people were entered with informed consent. All were asked to provide a blood sample and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against HP-CSAs were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: There was significant reverse association between H. pylori positivity and tumour development (OR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.15-0.54), but not with a Cag A positive status. Conclusion: Our findings provide further evidence that H. pylori infection decreases the risk of ESCC but that this is not linked to a Cag A positive status.