Cytotoxin-associated gene-A bearing strains of Helicobacter pylori and atrial fibrillation due to ischemic origin: is there a link?
BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pyloriCagA strains could increase the risk for atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease


METHODS
Serological status for H. pyloriCagA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, C-reactive protein, total leucocytic count and atrial size were determined in 185 coronary artery disease patients (with and without atrial fibrillation) and 80 healthy subjects (control).


RESULTS
CagA strain showed a higher prevalence in the atrial fibrillation group. Atrial dimension and C-reactive protein (independent predictors of atrial fibrillation) were significantly increased in the CagA seropositive subgroup


CONCLUSIONS
There is a strong liaison between H. pylori CagA infection and atrial fibrillation in coronary artery disease. Increased C reactive protein and atrial size in atrial fibrillation patients may reflect atrial inflammatory remodeling.
Cardiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufiya University, Shebin El-Koom, Egypt. halamahfouz_1000@yahoo.com
Hala Mahfouz
HM
Badran
Magdi Elsayed
ME
Mahfouz
D000368:Aged; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; C080866:cagA protein, Helicobacter pylori