No Association between CagA- and VacA-Positive Strains of Helicobacter pylori and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION Glaucoma is a public health issue worldwide, particularly in Africa. In Cameroon, the prevalence rate of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) ranges between 4.5% and 8.2%. Helicobacter pylori (HP) has been implicated in digestive and extra-digestive diseases, including glaucoma. The objective of this work was to evaluate the implication of CagA- and VacA-positive strains of HP in POAG using a case-control design. METHODS An analytical study was conducted from October 2013 to December 2013. Participants were recruited in eye care centers in Yaoundé. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were carried out in the La Grace Laboratory in Yaoundé. RESULTS The total sample consisted of 50 POAG patients and 31 controls with a mean age of 58.5 ± 12.2 years and 45.5 ± 14.6 years, respectively. The prevalence rates of HP in the POAG and control groups were 74% (37/50) and 87% (27/31), respectively (P = 0.125). The prevalence rates of CagA-positive HP seropositivity in the POAG and control groups were 26% and 22.58%, respectively (P = 0.47), and the prevalence rates of VacA-positive HP participants were 6% and 0%, respectively (P = 0.22). CONCLUSION The HP prevalence rates among POAG patients and controls were 74% and 87%, respectively. There was no significant difference between prevalence rates of HP in the POAG and control groups. There was no association between POAG and CagA- or VacA-positive HP infection.