Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Bhutan

Abstract

Bhutan is a small landlocked country in South Asia. The incidence of gastric cancer in Bhutan was relatively high among Asian countries. We visited Bhutan 3 times during 2010-2015 and performed upper GI endoscopies in 1,142 dyspeptic patients (372 patients from the Middle West part [Thimpu, Punaka and Wangdue], 472 patients from the Middle East part [Trongsa and Bumthang] and 298 patients from the West part of the country [Ha]. Overall H. pylori infection was 756/1,142 (66.2%). Chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer were common findings in this country. High incidence of these upper GI diseases in Bhutan may contribute to high prevalence of H. pylori infection. Therefore, eradication therapy for H. pylori infection and improve- ments in sanitation could be effective ways to lower the incidence of H. pylori-related upper GI diseases in this country.