Seroepidemiology of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection in general population in a northern Mexican city

Abstract

Background: The seroepidemiology of ＂Helicobacter pylori＂ infection in general population in Durango City, Mexico has not been previously studied. Aims: To determine the seroprevalence of anti-＂H. pylori＂ antibodies in the general population in Durango City, Mexico; and to determine socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of the general population associated with ＂H. pylori＂ seropositivity. Methods: The prevalence of anti-＂H. pylori＂ IgG antibodies was examined in 345 individuals in Durango City, Mexico, using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of the general population associated with ＂H. pylori＂ seroprevalence were also investigated. Results: In total, 231 (67%) of the 345 participants (mean age, 45.3. ± 17.5 years) had ＂H. pylori＂ IgG antibodies, 146 (63.2%) of whom had ＂H. pylori＂ IgG antibody levels higher than 100 U/mL. Both ＂H. pylori＂ seroprevalence and antibody levels increased significantly with age, and were similar in males and females. An increased ＂H. pylori＂ seroprevalence was found in subjects with low education and employed. In contrast, a low seroprevalence was found in subjects living in suburban areas. One of four subjects with gastritis symptoms had anti-＂H. pylori＂ antibodies. The seroprevalence of ＂H. pylori＂ was significantly higher among women with abortion history than among those without such history. Multivariate analysis of behavioral variables showed that H. pylori seropositivity was negatively associated with raising farm animals (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.25 - 0.91; P = 0.02). Conclusions: In the general population studied, ＂H. pylori＂ seroreactivity increased significantly with age, not only in frequency but also in intensity. Residence, education, and occupation of the study population influenced the seropositivity rate of ＂H. pylori＂.