High levels of Helicobacter pylori antigens and antibodies in patients with severe acne vulgaris

Background Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) may play a role in the pathogenesis of extra‐intestinal disorders including dermatological diseases. Aims This study aimed to assess the levels of H pylori antigen and antibody in patients with acne vulgaris (AV). Methods This cross‐sectional study compared the levels of fecal H pylori antigen and serum H pylori antibody in 100 patients with AV and 100 age and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Patients with AV were classified into mild, moderate, and severe according to the Global Acne Grading Scale. Levels of fecal H pylori antigen and serum H pylori antibodies were assessed using commercially available enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay. Results The patients with severe AV had significantly higher levels of fecal H pylori antigen as compared to the patients with mild AV, moderate AV, and healthy controls (P