BACKGROUND: Infection by Helicobacter pylori (Hp) has been linked to 
extradigestive pathologies including ischemic cerebral disease. The aim of our 
study was to assess the relationship between chronic Hp infection and ischemic 
stroke risk factors.
MATERIAL/METHODS: 80 patients (pts) aged 60-75 years with ischemic stroke 
confirmed by CT scans (group I) and 80 age- and gender-matched healthy controls 
(group II) were included into trial. Atherosclerotic plaques from 20 Hp positive 
pts were obtained at carotid endarterectomy for Hp DNA assessment by PCR. In all 
groups following parameters were determined; 1) the prevalence of Hp infection 
using (13)C-Urea Breath Test (UBT), 2) plasma anti-Hp and anti-CagA IgG and 
interleukin-8 (IL-8), and 3) plasma lipids and fibrinogen. Hp positive pts and 
controls received one-week anti-Hp therapy and after six months total 
cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, fibrinogen and IL-8 
levels were re-examined.
RESULTS: Hp infection was detected by UBT in 83.75% of stroke pts but only in 
65% of controls. CagA seropositivity was also significantly higher in stroke pts 
(57.5%) than in controls (33.75%). Plasma levels of cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol 
and fibrinogen as well as IL-8 were significantly higher in Hp positive 
subjects, especially in pts with ischemic stroke. Six months following 
successful anti-Hp therapy, the plasma levels of total cholesterol, 
LDL-cholesterol, fibrinogen and IL-8 were significantly lower than those in Hp 
positive stroke pts and controls.
CONCLUSIONS: Hp infection represents risk factor of ischemic stoke via an 
interaction of Hp cytotoxins or cytokines with atherosclerotic plaques in 
carotic arteries.