Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most prevalent bacterial infections worldwide, impacting up to 50% of the global population. Various diagnostic methods, both invasive and noninvasive, have identified this infection, which has been linked to numerous disorders, both within the stomach and beyond. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is one such extra-gastric condition associated with H. pylori, and diagnosing it involves excluding other potential causes of low platelet counts, which can be distressing. In specific instances, H. pylori infection plays a role in the progression of the disease through diverse mechanisms, including molecular mimicry, an elevation in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and a unique immune response by the host to virulence factors such as vacuolating-associated cytotoxin gene A (VacA) and cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA). Eradicating H. pylori has shown benefits in treating some ITP patients, making it advisable to include screening programs in the evaluation of ITP patients.
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