Gastritis and Campylobacter pylori

Abstract

(Continued from p 1901.) To the Editor .—I read with interest the report by Barthel et al 1 in the May 1988 issue of theArchivesconcerning the finding of histologic gastritis associated with Campylobacter pylori in 4 of 20 healthy asymptomatic volunteers. Although they reported the age range and median age, the ages of the 4 subjects positive for gastritis and C pylori infection were not mentioned. Other studies have shown an association with increasing age and prevalence of gastritis and C pylori . The authors also report finding fasting gastric hypochlorhydria in the four C pylori -positive subjects compared with the normal volunteers without gastritis. I do not believe such a state-ment is justified in the context of the methodology employed. Samples of fasting gastric juice were endoscopically obtained and the pH was determined, but we are not told if an appropriate glass hydrogen ion electrode was used or