The incidence of Helicobacter pylori in patients with interstitial cystitis.

Abstract

The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown. We evaluated the incidence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in patients with interstitial cystitis to determine whether such infection may be a causative factor. We obtained serum samples from 23 patients with interstitial cystitis and 23 control subjects. Samples were analyzed for the presence of H. pylori IgG antibodies. The incidence of positive tests for H. pylori antibodies was 22% in the interstitial cystitis group and 35% in controls. The incidence of infection with H. pylori is not increased in interstitial cystitis, and so it is unlikely to be a causative factor.