H. pylori Eradication complementary strategy for Vitiligo Management, suggests study

Dr. Shravani Dali

H. pylori Eradication complementary strategy for Vitiligo Management, suggests study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2026-02-26T20:15:47+05:30 | Updated On 26 Feb 2026 8:16 PM IST

The findings of a new study suggest a possible association between H. pylori infection and the pathophysiology of vitiligo. Based on this link, H. pylori eradication therapy may serve as a complementary strategy alongside standard vitiligo treatments and could have additional relevance in patients with Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome.

Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome (MAS) involves at least three distinct autoimmune diseases. MAS’ exact cause is unknown, however, genetic, immunologic, environmental, and infectious factors like Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) are involved in its pathophysiology. Hence, in the current study, we described the demographic, and clinical characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients coexisting with vitiligo. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between H. pylori eradication and patients’ clinical improvement. In this case-series study, eight female MS patients with clinically confirmed vitiligo were assessed for demographic and clinical characteristics via questionnaires and medical records. H. pylori infection also was evaluated using ELISA and stool antigen (HpSag) tests, and positive cases received eradication therapy. Results: The mean onset ages for MS and vitiligo were 23.12 ± 5.27 and 26.75 ± 4.97 years, with disease durations of 10.4 and 6.8 years, respectively. Six patients (75%) had an active vitiligo, and only one had active MS. Family history of MS and vitiligo was observed in 37.5% and 50% of patients, while 87.5% had other autoimmune diseases in their families. The mean H.pylori IgG and IgM levels were 15.58 ± 13.63 and 0.43 ± 0.31, respectively and H. pylori infection was detected in 25% of patients by either serology or stool antigen test, and no active vitiligo was observed post-eradication.

Since, the findings showed a potential association between H. pylori infection and the pathophysiology of vitiligo, eradication therapy may be used as a complementary approach alongside standard vitiligo treatments or even MS in Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome patients.

Reference:

Maryam Aghaei, Shahrzad Aghaei, Zabihollah Shahmoradi, Asieh Heidari, Fereshteh Ashtari, Seyed Hossein Hejazi. Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori infection and clinical features in multiple sclerosis patients coexisting with vitiligo: Case-series,

Journal of the National Medical Association, 2026, ISSN 0027-9684,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnma.2026.01.007.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0027968426000167)

Keywords:

H. pylori, Eradication, complementary, strategy, Vitiligo, Management, suggests, study, Maryam Aghaei, Shahrzad Aghaei, Zabihollah Shahmoradi, Asieh Heidari, Fereshteh Ashtari, Seyed Hossein Hejazi.

H. pyloriEradicationcomplementarystrategyVitiligoManagement

Source : Journal of the National Medical Association

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.