Background: Gallstone disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders requiring surgical intervention in India. Recent research suggests a potential association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the pathogenesis of gallstones. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between H. pylori infection and symptomatic gallstone disease in a tertiary care hospital in Tamil Nadu. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to December 2023, including 100 patients with ultrasonographically confirmed symptomatic gallstones. Exclusion criteria included prior H. pylori eradication therapy, prior cholecystectomy, and other hepatobiliary diseases. H. pylori status was assessed using the urea breath test (UBT), rapid urease test (RUT), and serum IgG ELISA. Clinical, demographic, and biochemical parameters were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Out of 100 patients, 42% tested positive for H. pylori by UBT, 38% by RUT, and 45% by ELISA. A significant association was observed between H. pylori infection and symptoms such as dyspepsia and flatulence (p<0.05). Patients with H. pylori positivity showed significantly higher serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels. Moreover, multiple gallstones and increased gallbladder wall thickness were more prevalent among H. pylori- positive individuals. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant correlation between H. pylori infection and symptomatic gallstone disease. The presence of H. pylori may influence gallstone pathogenesis via inflammation and bile composition alteration. Screening for H. pylori in gallstone patients may aid in comprehensive management strategies.

Helicobacter pylori, gallstone disease, cholelithiasis, dyspepsia, urea breath test, Tamil Nadu, lipid profile, gallbladder inflammation.