Assessment of the Possible Correlation between the Presence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Hairy Tongue Lesion in a Group of Patients in Syria: A Cross-Sectional and Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the presence of hairy tongue and H. pylori infection in patients referring to their blood test based on the serum levels of anti-H pylori IgG antibodies. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine, University of Damascus Dental School, between February 2021 and January 2022. The sample size of 40 patients (23 males, 17 females), whose ages ranged from 20–79 years with a mean age of 41.5 ± 12 years, was calculated using the G*power 3.1.3, with a statistical power of 80% and a significance level of 0.05. The hairy tongue index was assessed by a visual method based on observing the dorsum tongue appearance. Then, a blood test was performed to detect the presence of H. pylori by Immulite 2000 XPi. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software 22.0, Chi-square. Results: The prevalence of hairy tongue was higher among males (75%) as compared to females (25%) and was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.026). The hairy tongue lesions were found to be least in the 20–39 age group and most prevalent in the 40–59 age group, without statistically significant correlation. H. pylori infection was detected positive in 70% and negative in 30% of hairy tongue patients, compared to the control group, where the rates were 15% and 85%, respectively, with a statistically significant correlation between infection with H. pylori and hairy tongue (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our results strongly suggest that the hairy tongue might be considered an indicator of H. pylori infection.

Status of Tongue Coating and Perceived Halitosis Among the Patients Seeking Oral Treatment

“…Meanwhile the prevalence of fissured tongue is more common among males, another contributory factor for increased tongue coating. 11 This study showed weak relationship between tongue coating and age (r=0.29, P=0.00). Previous results of relationship between tongue coating and age were inconsistent.…”

“…In accordance to present study, many authors reported higher amount of tongue coating among males 8,10 than females indicating increased level of cleanliness among female participants. 11 Besides that, women have intense morning breath due to increased volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) levels in morning time compared to men 12 which must have prompted women to keep their tongue more clean. Meanwhile the prevalence of fissured tongue is more common among males, another contributory factor for increased tongue coating.…”

Long-term use of triple antibiotic-induced black hairy tongue: A case report

“…The precise underlying mechanism of antibiotic-associated BHT has not been fully elucidated, and clinicians may attribute it to superinfection that arises during the clinical use of antibiotics. In addition to antibiotics, BHT can also be linked to coinfections with specific organisms such as Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus nigricans, Aspergillus and Helicobacter Pylori , 5 , 24 , 26 , 27 and so on. The onset of BHT typically occurs 1–2 weeks after exposure to predisposing factors.…”