Effect of Helicobacter Pylori Infection on Hemoglobin, MCV, and Vitamin B12

Objective: The objective of this study was to elucidate effect of H. pylori infection on serum vitamin B12 levels and to find out association of this effect with changes in red blood indices in our local population. Subjects and methods: A total number of 90 subjects were included in the study. They were divided into group A (30 subjects with gastric symptoms and H. pylori infection), group B (30 subjects with gastric symptoms but without H. pylori infection), and group C (30 normal healthy age and sex matched subjects). The subjects were between 15-60 years of age. H. pylori infection was considered positive on the basis of positive serology, rapid urease test and histopathological examination. Hemoglobin and MCV were estimated by automated hematology analyzer. Serum vitamin B12 levels were measured by chemilumisecne technique. Intrinsic factor antibodies were determined by ELISA. Results: There was no significant difference (p value > 0.05) of hemoglobin concentration between groups A, B, and C. MCV values did not show significant difference (p value > 0.05) between groups A, B, and C. The difference of serum vitamin B12 among groups A, B, and C was also non significant (p value > 0.05). Conclusion: H. pylori infection was not found to cause any significant changes in hemoglobin and MCV. This infection did not produce significant effect on vitamin B12 levels in the subjects studied.