Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with serum vitamin B12 level in women of gestational age in Khorram Abad

Background: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is one of the most important causes of gastrointestinal diseases such as peptic ulcer. This bacterium has recently been reported to be associated with low serum vitamin B12 level. In this study we investigated the relationship between Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and the serum B12 level in women aging 15-49 years in Khorram Abad . Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted from 2003 to 2004 on 110 healthy women aged 15-49 years. Serum samples of patients were analyzed for vitamin B12 level and anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody. Demographic data and the history of gastrointestinal diseases were recorded in a questionnaire and then were analyzed by SPSS software. Findings: There was no significant difference between mean age of HP positive and HP negative participants. 76 out of 110 (72.2%) samples were HP positive. The rate of HP seropositivity was significantly higher in patients with serum vitamin B12 level less than 12 pg/ml. who had lower and moderate vitamin B12 levels (145-180 pg/ml), that is 94% vs 64.5%, P<0.013. Conclusion: High HP seropositivity rate among patients with low-normal less serum vitamin B12 levels than normal indicates that there may be an association between HP infection and serum vitamin B12 levels.