Prevalence Of Pylori Infection Research Articles

The current infection with Helicobacter pylori and association with upper gastrointestinal lesions and risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer: Insights from multicenter population-based cohort study.

The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers is complex. This multicenter, population-based cohort study conducted in seven areas in China aimed to assess the correlation between current H. pylori infection and the severity of UGI lesions, as well as its association with the risk of gastric cancer (GC) and esophageal cancer (EC). From 2015 to 2017, 27,085 participants (aged 40-69) completed a standardized questionnaire, and underwent a 13C-urea breath test. Then a subset underwent UGI endoscopy to assess the UGI lesion detection rates. All individuals were followed up until December 2021 to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) for UGI cancers. H. pylori infection prevalence was 45.9%, and among endoscopy participants, 22.2% had gastric lesions, 19.2% had esophageal lesions. Higher detection rates of gastric lesions were noted in the H. pylori-positive population across all lesion severity levels. Over a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 104 EC and 179 GC cases were observed, including 103 non-cardia gastric cancer (NCGC) cases and 76 cardia gastric cancer (CGC) cases. H. pylori-infected individuals exhibited a 1.78-fold increased risk of GC (HR 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-2.40) but no significant increase in EC risk (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.73-1.57). Notably, there was a higher risk for both NCGC and CGC in H. pylori-infected individuals. This population-based cohort study provides valuable evidence supporting the association between current H. pylori infection and the risk of both NCGC and CGC. These findings contribute to the empirical basis for risk stratification and recommendations for UGI cancer screening.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and incident risk of dementia: The AMI cohort.

Chronic infectious diseases are increasingly being considered as potential contributors to dementia risk. Among those infections, Helicobacter pylori, the main cause of chronic gastritis worldwide, has been suggested. As the prevalence of H. pylori infection has decreased, the main objective of this work was to reconsider the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of incident dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Prospective cohort of 689 older (≥65 years) agricultural workers from Southwest France. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed according to H. pylori status determined by serology at baseline. The risk of incident dementia according to H. pylori status over a 7-year follow-up was explored by survival analyses: Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards models. Two-hundred (29.0%) participants were H. pylori-positive at baseline. Compared to H. pylori-negative participants, they showed worse cognitive performances at baseline. Eighty-five incident dementia cases were diagnosed during the follow-up period. After adjustment for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein ε4, and several cardiovascular risk factors, H. pylori remained associated with an increased risk of dementia (HR 1.70, 95% CI, 1.05-2.74). The risk was stronger for Alzheimer's disease (HR 2.85, 95% CI, 1.58-5.12). Despite an observed decrease in H. pylori infection prevalence, this study provides evidence for the association between H. pylori infection and dementia. These results should encourage further research on the mechanisms underlying the contribution of infectious diseases to pathological brain aging, especially the influence of gut inflammation on the brain.

The Suitability of Stool Antigen Testing in the Detection of Helicobacter pylori in a Regional and Rural Area of Australia

Background. Helicobacter pylori is considered the most widespread bacterial pathogen worldwide. Successful eradication protocols are well established, highlighting the importance of appropriate infection detection. Noninvasive testing (NIT) methods are commonly used to detect infection, with test selection dependent on access and previous infection. This study examined trends in NIT by age group and test selection for eradication screening as well as examining H. pylori area prevalence by socioeconomic status (SES) in the Illawarra Shoalhaven and surrounding region. Materials and Methods. This retrospective cohort quantitative study is based on 20,998 NIT including stool antigen test (SAT), urea breath test (UBT), or H. pylori serology via Southern.IML Pathology between 2018 and 2020. Test percentage positives per and total test percentages within age groups were calculated for each NIT. Positive sample postcode data was assigned to socioeconomic percentiles. Total test utilisation and prevalence were calculated and depicted as geospatial representations. Results. Overall: 58.5% UBT, 31% serology, and 10.5% SAT were performed, with 14.7% positive for any NIT. Highest percent positive age group: SAT 80-89yo (18.6%), UBT 0-9yo (20.8%), and serology 90–99yo (32.6%). Test majority per age group: SAT 0-9yo (67.4%), UBT 10-89yo (59.4%), and serology 90-99yo (48.3%). A trend was seen between increasing infection prevalence and increasing socioeconomic disadvantage ( p = 0.161 , R 2 = 0.0361 ). Prevalence rates visually correlated with total test utilisation. Conclusions. SAT was underutilised compared to UBT or serology. Serology was inappropriately used in older age groups, and the result validity was questioned following confirmed infection. SAT is a viable alternative for use in these settings. No significant correlation was seen between lower SES areas and higher H. pylori infection prevalence, but low-test utilisation suggests likely prevalence underestimation within the studied area and may indicate reduced accessibility to healthcare.

Association of ABO and Rh Blood Groups with Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity in Gonabad City, Iran: A Case-Control Study

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections in humans, affecting large populations worldwide. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection prevalence with ABO and Rh blood groups. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted with a case-control design on individuals with anti-H. pylori positive test. Patients with IgG pylori were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria. The individuals were divided into two groups based on antibody titer. The case group included subjects with positive serological results with a titer greater than 12 u/mL IgG, and the control group entailed subjects with negative serological results with a titer less than 8 u/mL IgG. The ABO and Rh blood groups of both groups were examined based on case information. Finally, the data were entered into the SPSS software, and a significance level of 5% was considered for all analyses. Results: According to the results of this study, there was no significant relationship between the blood group and H. pylori infection (P > 0.05). However, the prevalence of blood type A was significantly higher in individuals with positive H. pylori IgG test. Conclusions: The current study suggests no association between ABO and Rh groups, but people with A blood group infected with H. pylori need more attention.

Association between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has definite or possible associations with multiple local and distant manifestations. H. pylori has been isolated from multiple sites throughout the body, including the nose. Clinical non-randomized studies with H. pylori report discrepant data regarding the association between H. pylori infection and nasal polyps. The aim of this first systematic review and meta-analysis was the assessment of the strength of the association between H. pylori infection and incidence of nasal polyps. We performed an electronic search in the three major medical databases, namely PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane, to extract and analyze data as per PRISMA guidelines. Out of 57 articles, 12 studies were graded as good quality for analysis. Male-to-female ratio was 2:1, and age ranged between 17-78 years. The cumulative pooled rate of H. pylori infection in the nasal polyp group was 32.3% (controls 17.8%). The comparison between the two groups revealed a more significant incidence of H. pylori infection among the nasal polyp group (OR 4.12), though with high heterogeneity I2 = 66%. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that in European studies, the prevalence of H. pylori infection among the nasal polyp group was significantly higher than in controls, yielding null heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis based on immunohistochemistry resulted in null heterogeneity with preserving a statistically significant difference in H. pylori infection prevalence between the groups. The present study revealed a positive association between H. pylori infection and nasal polyps.

Association between Dietary Habits and Helicobacter pylori Infection among Bahraini Adults.

Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infection is the main bacterial cause of several gastrointestinal disorders. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in a population of Bahraini adults seeking care in gastroenterology clinics in a tertiary care hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain and examine the association between dietary habits and other factors with H. pylori infection. The study is a hospital-based retrospective, cross-sectional analytical study that included 200 participants. H. pylori infection prevalence among the studied group was 55.5%, and it was significantly higher among participants with a high school education or less (44.1%). Among dietary habits, the mean of frequency of green tea, coffee and honey intake was significantly lower among the H. pylori infected participants compared to their non-infected counterparts. H. pylori infection was significantly higher among participants with vitamin D deficiency (63.6%) compared to participants with normal vitamin D (30%) (p = 0.001) and each unit decrease in serum vitamin D was associated with an increased risk of infection by 1.1 times (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18; p < 0.001). The study revealed that high educational levels, consumption of honey, green tea, and coffee, as well as normal serum vitamin D level, were independent protectors against H. pylori infection. Additional studies are needed to estimate the prevalence and predisposing factors of H. pylori infection in the general population.

Sero-Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Garissa County, Kenya

The public health impact of H. pylori (HP) infection is gradually becoming evident. The bacterium is now being implicated as an etiologic agent in various gastric diseases. In developing countries, HP infection is markedly more prevalent at younger ages than in developed countries. According to the World Gastroenterology Organization, the prevalence of H. pylori in Kenya was 48% in ages between 2-4, 80% at the age of 6, and 95% in the adult population. The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Pylori infection among pregnant patients attending the antenatal clinic in Garissa County, Kenya. This study utilized a cross-sectional study design to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection. Probability proportion to the size and a simple random technique was used to collect the data. Blood samples drawn from study participants were tested according to the standard H. pylori tests and as per the Kit manufacturers’ instructions and procedure. Information from the laboratory analysis and questionnaires were then recorded in the questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from the study participants before the study data collection tools were administered. Data Collected was entered into Excel and then exported to SPSS version 20. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe data, while Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were used to establish the association between the independent and dependent variables. Results show that the seroprevalence of H. pylori among sample pregnant women was 45%. Inferential analysis shows that respondents levels of education (χ2 = 10.07, df = 1, p = 0.002), parity (χ2 = 15.776, df = 3, p = 0.001) and type of toilet (χ2 (10.415(3), p = 0.015) was associated with the prevalence of H. pylori at bivariate level. Logistic regression analysis establishes that having a higher level of education (A.O.R = 2.483, p = 0.023, living in urban areas (A.O.R = 0.274, p = 0.014), being in casual employment A.O.R = 0.208 p = 0.024), having more than four children (A.O.R = 7.971, p = 0.006) and sharing of beds (A.O.R = 0.034, p = 0.0001) were predictors of H. pylori infection. This study concludes that about half of the study participants had H. pylori infection and socio-demographic and environmental conditions contribute to the prevalence. There is a need to sensitize pregnant women on the cause and prevention of H. pylori. Also, maintaining proper environmental and sanitation hygiene will aid in reducing transmission

Association among Helicobacter pylori Infection, Tooth Loss, and Heavy Medal Exposure in a Chinese Rural Population.

Previous research suggests that heavy metals may be associated with increased susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori infection. This study investigated the effect of heavy metal exposure (Pb and Cd) on tooth loss and H. pylori infection in a Chinese rural population, who live near a mining and smelting area. Blood samples were collected from the study participants to estimate the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure levels. H. pylori infection was analyzed using the 14C-urea breath test, and the number of missing teeth (MT), filled teeth (FT), and missing or filled teeth (MFT) were counted by conducting a physical examination. Regression analysis was used to assess the difference between H. pylori-positive and -negative individuals in the MT, FT, and MFT groups, adjusting for confounders. The H. pylori infection prevalence was higher in individuals in the high Cd or high Pb groups than that in the low Cd or low Pb groups (p < 0.05). In addition, greater numbers of FT and MFT were observed in individuals in the high Pb group than those in the low Pb group (p < 0.05). We further found 8.7% (95% CI, 2.8–23.8%, p = 0.017) of the effect of the high BPb level on H. pylori infection risk could be statistically explained by FT using amediation analyses in adjusted models, and 6.8% (95% CI, 1.6–24.8%, p = 0.066) by MFT. Furthermore, FT and MFT were significantly associated with increased risk for H. pylori infection (odds ratio (OR) = 4.938, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.125–21.671; OR = 3.602, 95% CI: 1.218–10.648, respectively). Pb and Cd exposure may be associated with tooth loss and increased susceptibility to H. pylori infection, and tooth loss may be an independent risk factor for H. pylori infection.

Abstract PO-183: Racial disparities in Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and retrospective study

Abstract Background/Aims: Racial disparities exist across the spectrum of non-cardia gastric carcinogenesis, from H. pylori infection through gastric intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer. Currently, there are no guidelines supporting widespread gastric cancer screening in the US, however there are suggestions that race and ethnicity may be important risk factors for both H. pylori infection and gastric cancer. A better understanding of racial differences in H. pylori infection prevalence and virulence might allow for improved risk stratification strategies for gastric cancer prevention. This systematic review sought to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the literature regarding racial disparities in H. pylori infection in the US. The review was performed to inform a larger translational research project at Duke that includes a retrospective study of Duke's patient population with H. pylori infection and gastric intestinal metaplasia. Methods: We performed a systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science through May 26, 2021. Using COVIDENCE software, 4143 studies were imported for screening, and 39 relevant studies that reported H. pylori infection prevalence by race in the US were identified. Odds ratios and prevalence of H. pylori for individual studies were compiled and assessed. We also present here an initial comparison of characteristics by race in a new, large retrospective study of H. pylori and intestinal metaplasia cases diagnosed from upper endoscopy from 2015-2019 at Duke University Hospitals. Results: All studies included documented higher H. pylori infection prevalence in Blacks and Hispanics compared to whites in the US. The ratio of Black to white H. pylori infection prevalence ranged from 1.3 to 5.4; for Hispanic to white H. pylori infection, the prevalence ranged from 1.8 to 4.4. Ten studies included odds ratios or risk ratios in their analysis. Compared to whites, Blacks had 2.6-4.4 times greater odds and Hispanics a 1.8-3.9 times greater odds of having an H. pylori infection. Four studies included prevalence of seropositivity to the H. pylori virulence factors VacA and CagA by race. In three of the four studies, Blacks and Hispanics had higher prevalence rates of infection with both VacA and CagA positive strains. In our local retrospective chart review, among all patients undergoing endoscopic biopsies at Duke in a 5-year period (n=20,352), H. pylori and H. pylori-positive intestinal metaplasia were 4-5 times more common in Blacks compared to whites. Conclusion: In a systematic review, across all identified studies and all time points, Blacks and Hispanics had significantly higher prevalence rates of H. pylori infection compared to whites in the US. This increased prevalence of H. pylori and H. pylori virulence factors may be relevant in the clinical setting relating to H. pylori testing and gastric cancer prevention. Similarly, in our local Duke cohort, a significantly greater percentage of Blacks presented with H. pylori positivity than whites at upper endoscopy. Citation Format: HannahSofia T. Brown, Meira Epplein, Helen Tang, Katherine Garman. Racial disparities in Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and retrospective study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-183.

Racial Differences in Helicobacter pylori Prevalence in the US: A Systematic Review.

Helicobacter pylori remains an important risk factor for noncardia gastric cancer and a spectrum of disease from H. pylori infection to gastric cancer. As a step toward improved clinical strategies for gastric cancer prevention, we assessed racial differences in prevalence of H. pylori from studies across the United States. This systematic review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the literature regarding racial differences in H. pylori in the United States. MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science database searches were performed through May 26, 2021. Ultimately, 25 studies that reported H. pylori infection prevalence by race were included. All studies included in the review documented higher H. pylori prevalence in Blacks and Hispanics than in whites. The ratio of H. pylori prevalence for Blacks compared to non-Hispanic whites ranged from 1.3 to 5.4, and the ratio for Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites ranged from 1.8 to 4.4. Of the 5 studies that examined H. pylori CagA prevalence by race, 4 found higher prevalence among Blacks and Hispanics compared to whites, with CagA prevalence ranging from 19% to 77% in whites, 62% to 90% in Blacks, and 64% to 74% in Hispanics. In this review, across 25 studies, varying in underlying population, time period, and geographic location, Blacks and Hispanics appeared to have a higher prevalence of H. pylori infection than whites. This increased prevalence of H. pylori among populations also at a higher risk of gastric cancer is relevant in the clinical setting for decision-making related to H. pylori testing and gastric cancer prevention.

Helicobacter pylori infection and increased diabetes prevalence were the risks of colorectal adenoma for adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA-compliant article).

Background:Helicobacter pylori infection and hyperglycemia are associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasm, and may have a synergistic effect in combination. However, these 2 factors that affect colorectal neoplasm remain controversial. We aimed to carry out a meta-analysis to evaluate the study population diabetes prevalence rate and H pylori infection rate with colorectal adenoma risk for adults.Methods:We conducted systemic research through English databases for medical reports. We also recorded the diabetes prevalence and H pylori infection prevalence in each study. We classified these studies into 4 subgroups as their background population diabetes prevalence <6% (Group 1); between 6% and 8% (Group 2); between 8% and 10% (Group 3), and more than 10% (Group 4). The random-effects model had used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence interval (CI).Results:Twenty-seven studies were finally eligible for meta-analysis. The random-effects model of the meta-analysis was chosen, showing pooled odds ratio (OR) equal to 1.51 (95% CI 1.39–1.63). The subgroup meta-analyses showed in Group 1 the H pylori infection associated colorectal adenoma risk OR was 1.24 (95% CI 0.86–1.78). As the diabetes rate exceed 6%, the H pylori infection became the more significant increased risk of colorectal adenoma (Group 2: OR 2.16 (95% CI 1.61–2.91); Group 3: OR 1.40 (95% CI 1.24–1.57); and Group 4: OR 1.52 (95% CI 1.46–1.57)).Conclusions:The results of this meta-analysis showed elevated diabetes prevalence combined H pylori infection increasing the risks of colorectal adenoma in the adult population.

H. Pylori Infection Prevalence at the Digestive Endoscopy

Background: The diagnosis of the oeso-gastroduodenal diseases has been revolutionized by the advances in in endoscopy especially gastroscopy. But there is limited data about the digestive endoscopy techniques is available. Objective: The study was carried out to analyze the endoscopic lesions profile and occurrence of H.pylori at the time of endoscopy (digestive). Study design: It is a retrospective study conducted at medicine department of Sialkot Medical College, Sialkot from June 2021 to December 2021. Material and Methods: There were 121 patients that participated in this study and among them there were 58 male and 63 female members. The patients were aware of the objective and signed the consent willingly. All the patients went through gastrointestinal endoscopy and their data was collected for analysis. The review board and ethical committee of our institute teaching hospital approved the study. According to the inclusion criteria the patients that underwent the gastrointestinal endoscopy were included in this research. Results: The data suggest that there were more female members that consulted doctor related to this issue as compared to men. It was also observed that there were more patients under 50 age who came to get their treatment done as compared to older patients. Data showed that the common sign and symptom that was reported by the patients was epigastralgia with 82% patients reporting it. Then the second most dominant symptom was vomiting followed by gastrointestinal bleeding and loss of weight. There were many patients that reported multiple of these symptoms at the same time. . It was observed that the data of esophageal varices was found to be linked with male sex with a significant p value of 0.047. The gastritis linked to H.pylori was associated with lesion. Conclusion: The goal of the study was to find the profile of endoscopic lesions and H.pylori prevalence, its infection in patients undergoing digestive endoscopy. The study was retrospective, and analysis was carried out to find the different types of endoscopic lesions and their impact on certain demographic parameters. The gastric tumor was found to be correlated with age, tobacco had some impact on peptic ulcer occurrence. And the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was commonly observed in majority of the patients. Keywords: endoscopic lesions, H.pylori, and gastric tumor

Frequency of Helicobacter pylori virulence genes in water resources of western Iran by direct PCR

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori causes the most common human bacterial chronic infection worldwide. The seroepidemiological studies show that up to 80% of people in the developing countries have an H. pylori infection history. Previous studies indicate the vigorous relationship between H. pylori infection prevalence and water hygiene status. This study aimed to detect the H. pylori virulence genes by direct PCR on water samples of Sanandaj city, located in the west of Iran. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifty water samples were collected from water resources, including wells, Municipal water, river, and dam in Sanandaj city during 6 months from April to September 2019. The preparing stages of water samples was including primary centrifuge, filtration and final centrifuge. To extract potential bacterial DNA, the sediment of water samples were treated by using PowerSoil DNA Isolation Kit (Qiagen Co.). H. pylori virulence genes were detected by using direct PCR and specific primers. The H. pylori 16s rDNA gene sequence of water samples were aligned and compared with other H. pylori 16s rDNA gene sequences registered in GenBank by using mega7 software. Results: The frequency of H. pylori genome in water samples was 23%, including 20%, 19%, 30%, and 36%, into tap, well, dam, and river water samples, respectively. The highest and lowest frequency rates were in well (62.5%, September) and dam water samples (0.0%, August), respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of H. pylori virulence genes in Sanandaj city water samples was remarkable by using direct PCR method.

Helicobacter pylori infection rates in dyspeptic Serbian HIV-infected patients compared to HIV-negative controls.

Helicobacter pylori infection does not belong to the spectrum of opportunistic infections in people living with HIV (PLHIV). To evaluate the Helicobacter pylori infection prevalence rate trends in HIV co-infected individuals in comparison to the HIV-negative population, we compared histopathological findings of H. pylori positive gastritis (gastritis topography and histopathology) between 303 PLHIV and 2642 HIV-negative patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) between 1993 and 2014 due to dyspeptic symptoms. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in HIV-negative controls than in PLHIV (50.2% vs. 28.1%). A significantly positive linear trend of H. pylori co-infection in PLHIV was revealed in the observed period (b = 0.030, SE = 0.011, p = 0.013), while this trend was significantly negative in HIV-negative patients (b = - 0.027, SE = 0.003, p < 0.001). Patients with HIV/H. pylori co-infection had significantly higher CD4+ T cell counts and more often had undetectable HIV viremia, due to successful anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Stomach histopathological findings differed between HIV co-infected and H. pylori mono-infected patients. Our findings confirm that the ART has changed the progression of HIV infection, leading to a significant increase in the prevalence of H. pylori infection in dyspeptic PLHIV over time. Our data also suggests that a functional immune system may be needed for H. pylori-induced human gastric mucosa inflammation.

Prevalence and risk factors for helicobacter pylori infection among children in Owerri, Nigeria.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative ubiquitous bacterium affecting over half of the world's population. Most infections are acquired in early childhood with highest prevalence in Africa and Asia. Infected individuals develop antibodies against H. pylori which persist up to 6 months after eradication. Low socioeconomic status, poor sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and absence of potable household water supply are prevalent in our environment and also linked with increased frequency of the disease with attendant health consequences. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and potential sociodemographic factors among children in Owerri. One hundred and twenty children aged 6 months to 15 years were studied from March to June 2016. Sociodemographic data was documented in a pretested structured questionnaire while rapid test kit that detects antibody to H. pylori by chromatographic flow was used to identify subjects with infection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 with level of statistical significance at P < 0.05. H. pylori infection prevalence was 20.0%, increased with age and highest in the 10-15 years age group (P = 0.001). Increasing age and low socioeconomic class (SEC) were found to be significant risk factors of H. pylori seropositivity among study subjects. Prevalence of H. pylori infection was high, increased with age and lower SEC as well as highest among children aged 10 years and older. Efforts should be made to exclude H. pylori infection in children with suspected symptoms considering the high burden of the disease in our setting.

Helicobacter pylori Infection and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases: The Role of Virulent Strains.

Aim: To verify a possible association between overall H. pylori and CagA+ H. pylori infection and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). Methods: Consecutive patients with AITDs admitted to one single centre of Endocrinology during one solar year were examined. The diagnoses were Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) in 76, Graves’ Disease (GD) in 39, and aspecific thyroiditis (AT) in 44 patients. Controls were 136 individuals without AITDs. Median values of fT3, fT4, anti-thyreoglobulin (Tg) antibodies, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in patients were compared with those in controls. H. pylori infection and CagA status were determined serologically. Structural homology of some thyroid proteins with H. pylori antigens was investigated. Results: H. pylori infection prevalence was significantly increased in GD (66.6%) and HT (64.4%) patients, vs. 29.4% of controls and 34.0% of AT. CagA seropositivity was significantly more frequent in GD (46.1%) and HT (46.9%) infected patients, vs. infected controls (20%). fT3 and fT4 median values were significantly decreased in infected CagA+ GD patients vs. uninfected GD patients. IL-1β median values were increased in patients respect to controls, independently of the clinical form of AITD. Median values of IL-6, TNF-α and anti-Tg autoantibodies in CagA infected patients were significantly higher than those measured in infected CagA− and uninfected patients and in infected CagA+ controls. The examined thyroid proteins shared putative conserved domains with numerous bacterial antigens. Conclusions: Overall H. pylori and CagA+ H. pylori infection were associated with GD and HT, putatively through an increased inflammatory status and molecular mimicry.

Rapidly declining trend of signet ring cell cancer of the stomach may parallel the infection rate of Helicobacter pylori

BackgroundStudies indicate that gastric cancer (GC) incidence has decreased, whereas signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC) incidence has increased. However, recent trends in GC incidence are unclear. We used our hospital cancer registry to evaluate the changes in the incidence of GC, SRC, and non-SRC (NSRC) over time in comparison to changes in the H. pylori infection rates over time.MethodsWe identified 2532 patients with GC enrolled in our registry between January 2007 and December 2018 and statistically analyzed SRC and NSRC incidence. The H. pylori infection rate in patients with SRC was determined by serum anti-H. pylori antibody testing, urea breath test, biopsy specimen culture, and immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) of gastric tissue. Additionally, genomic detection of H. pylori was performed in SRCs by extracting DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gastric tissue and targeting 16S ribosomal RNA of H. pylori.ResultsOverall, 211 patients had SRC (8.3%). Compared with patients with NSRC, those with SRC were younger (P < 0.001) and more likely to be female (P < 0.001). Time series analysis using an autoregressive integrated moving average model revealed a significant decrease in SRC (P < 0.001) incidence; NSRC incidence showed no decline. There was no difference in H. pylori infection prevalence between the SRC and NSRC groups. IHC and genomic methods detected H. pylori in 30 of 37 (81.1%) SRCs.ConclusionsReduction in H. pylori infection prevalence may be associated with the decrease in the incidence of SRC, which was higher than that of NSRC.

Central obesity is associated with helicobacter pylori infection: a large-scale cross-sectional retrospective study in West China

ContextThe association between obesity and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains controversial.AimsThe objective is to investigate the relationship between obesity and H. pylori infection, as diagnosed on the basis of a 14C urea breath test (14C-UBT) and waist circumference (WC).Settings and designA retrospective cross-sectional study was performed at Health management center of a Tertiary care teaching hospital in Southwest of China.Materials and methodsClinical information of 76,915 individuals (46,003 men and 30,912 women) with 44.0 (35.0–51.0) years was extracted from medical record. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by a positive 14C-UBT, and obesity was defined as WC ≥ 90 cm in men and ≥ 80 cm in women.Statistical analysisDescriptive statistics, Student’s t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test, followed by binary logistic regression were performed in SPSS.ResultsThe overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 39.95%. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in subjects with central obesity was significantly higher than that in normal-WC subjects (42.20% vs. 39.10%, p < 0.001). WC was significantly higher in H. pylori-positive subjects compared with H. pylori-negative subjects (p < 0.01). There was a linear association between WC quintiles and H. pylori infection prevalence. After adjusting for confounders, central obesity was associated with H. pylori infection (OR = 1.052, 95% CI, 1.009–1.096, p = 0.02).ConclusionsCentral obesity is associated with H. pylori infection after adjusting for multiple confounding factors such as age, gender, and lifestyle characteristics.

An Ecological Study on the Risk of Gastric Cancer With Helicobacter Pylori Prevalence and Other Potential Cofactors in Korea

Background: Korea has a high incidence of gastric cancer and a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Observation of prevalence trends and determination of risk factors for gastric cancer are important to establish health policies to prevent and reduce the burden of disease. Currently, there is no evidence of complete correlation between prevalence of H. pylori infection and the occurrence of gastric cancer. Several explanations have been proposed for the paradox of high prevalence of infection and low gastric cancer incidence in certain places, including diet and salt consumption, genetic susceptibility, other infections, aflatoxin-contaminated food, and the interaction of all these factors, but none of them has been clearly established. Aim: To explore the potential effects of prevalence of H. pylori infection and other risk factors on gastric cancer incidence in Korea. Methods: Information on gastric cancer incidence, prevalence of H. pylori infection, and the risk factors for gastric cancer were evaluated from nationally representative data - the Korean National Cancer Registry, nationwide routine health check-up surveillance system, and National Health and Nutrition Survey, respectively. Secular trends of H. pylori infection prevalence and age-standardized incidence rates for gastric cancer by region were examined. Furthermore, trends of income level, education level, marital status, number of family members, smoking status, drinking status, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and age-standardized incidence rates for gastric cancer by region were examined. Results: Gastric cancer incidence showed a decreasing trend from 2011 to 2015; 50.6%–44.4% for men and 22.1%–17.0% for women. The prevalence of H. pylori infection also showed a decreasing trend; from 66.9% in 1998%–54.4% in 2011. In Korea, areas with high prevalence of H. pylori infection also showed high gastric cancer incidence. However, the Chungcheong area showed relatively low prevalence of H. pylori infection, but had the highest gastric cancer incidence in Korea. Other factors which showed similar effects on gastric cancer incidence, like H. pylori infection were large family size (4 or more family members), low income, low education, and obesity. The effect of introduction of 'National Cancer Screening Program' will be evaluated in the final outcome. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that significant regional differences exist between trends in H. pylori infection prevalence and gastric cancer incidence in Korea. Also, the possibility of lack of association between H. pylori prevalence and the incidence of gastric cancer are suggested. Overall, this study suggests the need for further research to explore potential factors accounting for regional differences in gastric cancer incidence in Korea.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in asymptomatic patients at surgical outpatient department: Harare hospitals.

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection is present in more than 50% of the world's population. The estimated life time risk of peptic ulcer disease is 20 percent and of gastric cancer is 1–2 percent.Materials and methodsA cross sectional study was done at two Central hospitals in Harare, Zimbabwe, with the objective being to estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic individuals. Other objectives were to determine the association of the Helicobacter pylori infection with potential risk factors.Four hundred and fifty patients visiting the outpatient surgical clinics for other complaints other than upper gastrointestinal symptoms were recruited in the study. Drops of whole blood were obtained by fingertip puncture from each patient. The Onsite H. pylori Combo Rapid Test was used to confirm the presence or absence of antibodies against Helicobacter pylori. A questionnaire was used to record the sociodemographics of the participants.ResultsThree hundred patients, 186 males (62%) and 114 females (38%) participated. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 67.7 percent (203/300). The prevalence of H pylori infection was significantly correlated with increasing age (p = 0.012), sharing of a bed with siblings during childhood (p = 0.013) and the mode of sanitation methods (p = 0.023). There was no association found between H pylori infection and other risk factors such as; gender, level of education, employment status or number of rooms in a house.ConclusionH. pylori infection prevalence was significantly associated with increasing age, sharing of a bed with siblings during childhood and the mode of sanitation used. Clinicians and the public have to be aware of the important role of H pylori in upper gastrointestinal disease. Use of better sanitation methods, appropriate hygiene, avoidance of over-crowding amongst other measures should be encouraged as a means to reduce the acquisition and transmission of H pylori.