Helicobacter pylori and associated histopathological changes in gastric biopsies of patients with leprosy.

Two antral biopsies each from 104 patients of leprosy and 100 controls were studied to find out the prevalence of H. pylori and associated histopathological changes. Sections were stained with hematoxylene and eosin, AB/PAS (Ph 2.5) and Loeffler's methylene blue stains. Infection by H. pylori, inflammation and atrophy were found to be significantly more in leprosy patients as compared to controls (p < 0.01, < 0.005 and < 0.02 respectively). On comparing the histopathological changes in various subgroups of leprosy, H. pylori, inflammation and activity showed a statistically decreasing trend from tuberculoid to lepromatous subgroups (p < 0.05, < 0.001, < 0.01 respectively). Atrophy showed a significant increasing trend from tuberculoid to lepromatous group (< 0.001), it is concluded that despite a low prevalence of H. pylori and associated gastritis in patients with lepromatous leprosy, gastric epithelial damage is more marked due to altered immune response.