Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that has acquired a rather negative reputation, due to that fact that it was shown to be the cause of many stomach ulcers. New findings published in October 2007 however present it a much more favorable light, suggesting that it may be protecting children from developing asthma.

H. pylori has been a resident of the human stomach for thousands of years. In the US about 30% of the population carries this bacterium, 50% of whom acquired it by the age of six. Chances of infection by this bacterium increase with poor living conditions and in the developing countries estimates are that up to 90% of the adult population may be infected.

Helicobacter pylori causes chronic inflammation of the inner lining of stomach, potentially leading to stomach ulcers and even stomach cancer. Improved living condition and increased use of antibiotics have led to a decrease in the numbers of H. pylori infections. 50 years ago more than 50 % of American children under 13 years of age, carried H. pylori. Today the percentage is less than 10% while asthma incidence in children is on the rise.

Recent studies involving 3327 children aged from 3 to 13 years revealed that those who carried H. pylori were 53% less likely to experience asthma compared to those who did not have the bacteria. Early-onset asthma (before 5 years of age) was also 44% less likely in children who were already infected with H. pylori.

Aside from asthma prevention, H. pylori could be beneficial in other ways as well. The researchers found that people with the bacteria were less likely to have had recent bouts of wheezing, allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, eczema or rash. Some other studies have shown that it may protect against gastro-esophageal reflux disease and esophageal cancer.

There is a biological burden of having H. pylori, like increased risk of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer, but these typically occur relatively late in life. On the other hand, asthma is more common in young children and can sometimes be life threatening. If further studies succeed in elucidating the mechanisms by which H. pylori may prevent asthma development, that could potentially open new ways to help asthma sufferers.

Source: Helicobacter pylori May Protect Children From Asthma (MedScape)