According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is linked to a higher likelihood of suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Eradicating the infection could potentially lead to symptom improvement in affected individuals. The researchers' objective was to investigate and provide a deeper analysis of the relationship between H. pylori infection and IBS, while also exploring the potential benefits of H. pylori treatment in improving IBS symptoms.

A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases including China Science and Technology Journal, PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Cochrane Library. For the meta-analysis, a random-effect model was employed. Calculation of pooled odds ratios (ORs)/risk ratios (RRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was done. The I2 statistics and Cochran's Q test were utilized to assess heterogeneity.

Furthermore, meta-regression analysis was employed to investigate the potential sources of heterogeneity. A total of 31 studies involving 21,867 volunteers were considered in the analysis. After conducting a meta-analysis of 27 studies, it was found that individuals with IBS had an elevated risk of H. pylori infection compared to those without IBS (OR = 1.68). The statistical analysis displayed a raised level of heterogeneity among the studies (I² = 85%).

Further investigation through meta-regression analyses suggested that the heterogeneity might be attributed to variations in study design and the diagnostic criteria used for identifying IBS. Additionally, a meta-analysis of 8 studies revealed that treatment for eliminating H. pylori led to a higher rate of enhancement in IBS symptoms (RR = 1.24). The level of heterogeneity was not statistically significant (I² = 32%). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 4 studies showed that successful eradication of H. pylori also resulted in greater betterment of IBS symptoms (RR = 1.25).

The level of heterogeneity observed in this analysis was not significant (I² = 1%). A direct correlation was found between H. pylori illness and IBS. Treating H. pylori infection was shown to have a positive influence on improving IBS symptoms. These findings could have significant implications for healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing patients with IBS, as well as exploring H. pylori eradication as a potential therapeutic strategy for symptom relief.