Relationship between lichen planus and helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

Lichen planus (LP) is a relatively common, chronic dermato- mucosal disease that often affects the oral mucosa, but can affect any part of the body surface. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of LP is not fully understood, different causes such as genetic susceptibility, hypersensitivity to drugs, metals and vaccinations, autoimmune diseases, bacterial and viral infections may act as a risk factor for LP. Among bacterial infections affecting LP, Helicobacter pylori (HP) has recently been proposed as an important etiologic factor. With regard to the fact that in present time a few studies about relation between LP and HP has been performed and paradox results have been earned, this study was designed to evaluate the association of LP and HP infection. Materials and methods: This study included 30 patients with cutaneous LP, 30 patients with oral LP and 30 healthy individuals without LP as control group. Patients and control group were selected from those referred to dental and dermatology clinic. Urea breathing test (UBT) was performed for all subjects. Descriptive statistic (frequency and percentage) were applied and chi-square test was employed to compare mean differences, using SPSS win/13 computer software. Results: No significant association was found between LP and HP by using UBT in the study groups (P=0.50). Mean differences of UBT among groups were not statistically significant (P=0.65). Conclusion: In this study, no significant association was found between LP and HP in the study groups.