title: No Association between CagA- and VacA-Positive Strains of Helicobacter pylori and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Case-Control Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Glaucoma is a public health issue worldwide, particularly in Africa. In Cameroon, the prevalence rate of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) ranges between 4.5% and 8.2%. Helicobacter pylori (HP) has been implicated in digestive and extra-digestive diseases, including glaucoma. The objective of this work was to evaluate the implication of CagA- and VacA-positive strains of HP in POAG using a case-control design.
  
  
  METHODS
  An analytical study was conducted from October 2013 to December 2013. Participants were recruited in eye care centers in Yaoundé. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were carried out in the La Grace Laboratory in Yaoundé.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total sample consisted of 50 POAG patients and 31 controls with a mean age of 58.5 ± 12.2 years and 45.5 ± 14.6 years, respectively. The prevalence rates of HP in the POAG and control groups were 74% (37/50) and 87% (27/31), respectively (P = 0.125). The prevalence rates of CagA-positive HP seropositivity in the POAG and control groups were 26% and 22.58%, respectively (P = 0.47), and the prevalence rates of VacA-positive HP participants were 6% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.22).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The HP prevalence rates among POAG patients and controls were 74% and 87%, respectively. There was no significant difference between prevalence rates of HP in the POAG and control groups. There was no association between POAG and CagA- or VacA-positive HP infection.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté, Cameroon.; Faculty of Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
authors.forename: C Domngang
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Noche
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté, Cameroon.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Njajou
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
authors.forename: F X
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Etoa
keywords: CagA; ELISA test; Helicobacter pylori; VacA; primary open-angle glaucoma; seroprevalence