Prevalence ofHelicobacter pylori infection in Japan: Relation to educational levels and hygienic conditions

Abstract

Epidemiological characteristics and multiple risk factors ofHelicobacter pylori infection in Japan were studied by both descriptive and analytical studies. We attempted to find out the association between some hygienic factors andHelicobacter pylori infection in Japan. Effects of lifestyle factors in later life time on the infection was also considered. Whole employees of a Japanese company were screened by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay methods (ELISA). Healthy (no current gastroenterological diseases) subjects' childhood hygienic conditions and later life time lifestyles were surveyed by a questionnaire. A significant age-dependent prevalence ofHelicobacter pylori infection was found in the studied subjects. Experience of well-water drinking and no flush-toilet using in childhood as well as low educational level were shown significantly related to the infection. On the contrary, later life time lifestyle did not seem to affect the infected condition. Our study confirmed that early childhood hygienic condition had important effects onHelicobactor pylori infection.