Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and colonic diverticulosis: a retrospective observational study in an asymptomatic Austrian endoscopy-based screening cohort - Report - MDSpire
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Link Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Colonic Diverticulosis: A Retrospective Study in an Asymptomatic Austrian Cohort Undergoing Endoscopy Screening

  • By

  • Andreas Völkerer

  • Sarah Wernly

  • Georg Semmler

  • Maria Flamm

  • Mathias Ausserwinkler

  • Jutta Horejs-Hoeck

  • Anabel Berger

  • Hannah Hofer

  • Elmar Aigner

  • Christian Datz

  • Bernhard Wernly

  • July 15, 2026

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Link Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Colonic Diverticulosis

Overview

This study investigates the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and colonic diverticulosis in an asymptomatic Austrian cohort. Findings indicate no significant relationship between HP infection and diverticulosis.

Background

Colonic diverticulosis is prevalent in aging populations and can lead to serious complications. Understanding its pathogenesis, including potential microbial influences, is crucial for managing patient outcomes. Helicobacter pylori, a common gastric pathogen, has been hypothesized to play a role in diverticulosis, but evidence remains inconclusive.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
Prevalence of diverticulosis37%
Prevalence of HP infection19%
Univariable OR for HP and diverticulosis1.01 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.15; p=0.935)
Adjusted OR for HP and diverticulosis0.86 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.02; p=0.078)
Diverticulosis prevalence at follow-up63.9% (HP positive) vs 62.1% (HP negative); p=0.749

Key Findings

  • No association between HP infection and diverticulosis in univariable or adjusted analyses.
  • Diverticulosis prevalence was similar regardless of HP status in the longitudinal subset.
  • Subgroup analyses showed consistent null results across various demographics and risk factors.
  • HP infection's effect size was too small to be clinically meaningful.
  • HP may act as a confounder in future microbiome studies related to diverticulosis.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that HP status should not be considered a clinical marker for asymptomatic diverticulosis.

Conclusion

This study concludes that HP infection is not associated with colonic diverticulosis in an asymptomatic population.

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  10. Increased risk of colorectal adenoma and benign colorectal polyp associated with Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
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