Association between bee allergy and gastric inflammation: A retrospective study of Helicobacter pylori and mucosal findings

This retrospective and exploratory study aimed to examine the potential association between bee allergy and increased rates of chronic gastric inflammation and Helicobacter pylori positivity in patients presenting with dyspeptic symptoms. Medical records of patients with dyspeptic symptoms and self-reported bee allergy who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a tertiary care hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-nine patients with bee allergy were compared with a control group of 29 patients matched by age, gender, and gastrointestinal complaints. Antral biopsy samples were evaluated histopathologically for chronic inflammation, neutrophil activity, H pylori presence, atrophy, metaplasia, and dysplasia. Laboratory parameters, including complete blood count, electrolytes, biochemical values, and coagulation profiles, were also analyzed. Patients with bee allergy exhibited significantly higher rates of chronic gastric inflammation, neutrophil activity, and H pylori positivity (P < .05). No significant differences were observed in hematological, biochemical, or coagulation markers, except for sodium and potassium levels, which were elevated in the bee allergy group (P < .05). Path analysis revealed that bee allergy was positively associated with chronic inflammation (β = 0.41, P < .05) and H pylori positivity (β = 0.38, P < .05). The findings of this exploratory study indicate a possible association between bee allergy and increased gastric mucosal inflammation and H pylori prevalence. Additionally, electrolyte differences observed in the bee allergy group may reflect broader systemic changes. These preliminary results warrant further investigation through prospective and mechanistic studies.