A role for Helicobacter pylori in the gastrointestinal complaints of eating disorder patients?

Eating disorder patients frequently present with gastrointestinal complaints. Helicobacter pylori is an etiologic factor in type B gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and may cause nausea and anorexia. Objective: To determine whether or not there is an increased prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with eating disorders. Method: Serum H. pylori IgG antibody and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed in 32 patients admitted for inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia nervosa. Results: Eating disorder patients did not have an increased rate of detectable serum H. pylori IgG antibody. Discussion: There is not an increased prevalence of H. pylori infection in eating disorder patients. Thus, the increased frequency of gastrointestinal complaints in eating disorder patients cannot be attributed to H. pylori infection.