Seroprevalence Of Helicobacter Pylori Infection Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among schoolchildren in southern Taiwan-A 20-year longitudinal follow-up.

Helicobacter pylori infection is primarily acquired in childhood and can lead to peptic ulcer diseases and gastric cancer. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies widely in different countries. The aim of this study was to explore the change of pediatric H. pylori seroprevalence in the past two decades and to investigate the risk factors for pediatric H. pylori seropositivity in southern Taiwan. This study enrolled children aged 7-12 years in Tainan City in 2018 and compared the result with our previous data in 1998, 2005, and 2010. Parents of the participants were invited to fill out questionnaires, including information of personal history, family history of peptic ulcer diseases, annual household income, and source of drinking water. Blood samples were analyzed for anti-H. pylori IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 391, 629, 618, and 488 elementary school students in Tainan City were enrolled in 1998, 2005, 2010, and 2018, respectively. There was a significant decline in H. pylori seroprevalence from 9.2% in 1998, 7.8% in 2005, 6.2% in 2010 to 4.7% in 2018 (p < 0.001). Neither gender difference nor age difference was found in H. pylori seropositivity in each year of enrollment. Low household income was significantly associated with pediatric H. pylori seropositivity. The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among elementary schoolchildren has remarkably declined in southern Taiwan in the past two decades. Low household income was a risk factor for pediatric H. pylori seropositivity.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and risk factors among patients presenting with symptoms of peptic ulcer in Akure metropolis

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and risk factors among patients presenting with symptoms of peptic ulcer in Akure metropolis

S1469 Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection Among Hispanics Living in Puerto Rico Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: Obesity is a public health problem that affects developed and developing countries. Its prevalence is around 33% in the United States and 30-35% in Puerto Rico. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in bariatric patients has been linked to post-surgical foregut symptoms, marginal ulcers, and an increased incidence rate of viscus perforation. However, the feco-prevalence of H. pylori infections in this population has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the feco-prevalence of HP infection among patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Puerto Rico. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional chart review was conducted. The Feco-positivity was determined using stool H. pylori antigen immunoassay. Helicobacter pylori feco-prevalence was estimated with 95% confidence using the proportion z-test. Pearson's Chi-Square test was used to determine associations between the variables. Results: A total of 307 medical records of patients undergoing bariatric surgery were reviewed. The mean age of the study population was 42 ± 12 years, of whom 79.1% were female. The overall feco-prevalence of H. pylori was 18.0%, with nausea and belching the most prevalent symptoms reported (P < 0.05). A 90% eradication rate was observed with the first treatment course. The prevalence of vitamin B6 deficiency in patients with HP positive was 32% compared to patients with HP negative 20%, with a P-value of 0.05 (Figure). Conclusion: HP feco-prevalence in bariatric surgery patients is estimated to be 18%, less than the previously estimated prevalence of Helicobacter pylori using seroprevalence of Hispanics in Puerto Rico. However, the seroprevalence of HP infection is less sensitive and specific to disease than the feco-prevalence. Therefore, further investigation is warranted about HP feco-prevalence in the general population of Puerto Rico. There was a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of vitamin B6 deficiency in patients with HP positive that has not previously been reported and warrants further investigation.Figure 1.: Prevalence of H. pylori in patients with Vitamin deficiency

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

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among students of the Higher Institute of Technical Sciences, Msallata, Libya

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among students of the Higher Institute of Technical Sciences, Msallata, Libya

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Associated Factors Among Adult Dyspeptic Patients in Public Health Facilities, Mizan Aman Town, Southwest, Ethiopia: Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection is a public health problem associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. It is endemic in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study was aimed to assess seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and associated factors among adults’ dyspeptic patients in public health facilities of Mizan Aman Town, Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsCross-sectional study was conducted in public health facilities of Mizan Aman Town, from April 1, 2018, to June 30, 2018. A total of 208 adult dyspeptic patients were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Serum was tested for anti-H. pylori antibody using a commercial test strip. Data were entered using Epi info 6.04 and exported to SPSS 21 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was employed and OR with 95% CI was retrieved. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 208 participants were interviewed. The mean age of respondents was 31.70 (SD ±9.123) years. Seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 89 (42.8%). Presence of domestic animals (AOR = 13.33, 95% CI = (2.203–80.692)), sources of drinking water (AOR = 0.011, 95% CI = (0.001–0.110)), toilet type (AOR = 11.236, 95% CI = (1.921–65.73)), shared beds with siblings (AOR = 7.775, 95% CI = (1.676–36.082)), family size (AOR = 0.015, 95% CI = (0.003, 0.089)), storing and reusing water (AOR =0.014, 95% CI = (0.002–0.103)) and occupational status (AOR = 23.33, 95% CI = (2.034–67.661)) were variables significantly associated with seroprevalence of H. pylori.ConclusionSeroprevalence of H. pylori infection is relatively high in Ethiopia. Family size, shared bed, presences of domestic animals, storage and reuse of water, toilet type, sources of drinking water, and occupation were significant factors associated with H. pylori infection. The possible identified modifiable risk factors should be addressed through effective health education.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among Children attending selected Hospitals in Keffi, Nigeria

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among Children attending selected Hospitals in Keffi, Nigeria

Helicobacter pylori infection among patients presenting with dyspepsia at a primary care setting in Cameroon: seroprevalence, five-year trend and predictors

BackgroundAlmost half the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with the highest reported prevalence from Africa. This infection is associated with several morbid gastrointestinal conditions. Understanding the trends in seroprevalence and the factors associated with H. pylori seropositivity in dyspeptic persons can provide a guide for public health policies.MethodsThis was a retrospective study, carried out with outpatient records of Wum District Hospital (WDH) from January 2012 to December 2016. We reviewed records of all patients for whom a H. pylori serology test was requested. The Cochran-Armitage trend test and multiple regression models were used to explore seroprevalence trends and predictors of seropositivity respectively.ResultsWe included 451 records, 63.6% (n = 287) were female. The mean age of the study population was 40.7 years, and the overall H. pylori seroprevalence was 51.5% (95% CI: 47–56%). The use of recommended eradication regimen appears to be low and declining. On average, H. pylori seroprevalence declined by 6.8% annually (p < 0.0001). Occupational status independently predicted seropositivity, with students having lower odds of being seropositive than employed persons (aOR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02–0.49, p = 0.016).ConclusionDespite decreasing trends, the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is high in dyspeptic patients attending this primary care setting. Improving living standards and establishing national guidelines for eradication can possibly aid the control of this infection.

Trends in the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its putative eradication rate over 18 years in Korea: A cross-sectional nationwide multicenter study.

The aims of this study were to demonstrate the trends in seropositivity and the eradication therapy rate for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) over an 18-year period in an asymptomatic Korean population and to explore the factors associated with H. pylori seropositivity and its eradication therapy. In total, 23,770 subjects (aged 17–97 years) from a health examination center participated in this cross-sectional study from January 2016 to June 2017. Questionnaires that included questions about the participants’ H. pylori eradication therapy history were collected, and anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies were measured. Among the eligible subjects, the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 41.5%. The H. pylori eradication therapy rate increased continuously from 2005 (13.9%) to 2011 (19.3%) and then increased again until the first half of 2017 (23.5%) (P < 0.001). After exclusion of subjects with a history of gastric surgery, gastric cancer, H. pylori eradication therapy, or gastric symptoms, H. pylori seropositivity was 43.9% in 16,885 subjects, which was significantly lower than the seropositivities in 1998 (66.9%), 2005 (59.6%), and 2011 (54.4%). The risk factors associated with H. pylori seropositivity according to multivariable analysis were male sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23–1.46), medium educational level (OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05–1.31), medium household income level (OR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19), and age of 60–69 years (OR 8.78, 95% CI: 6.41–11.85). The observed downward trend in H. pylori seroprevalence and increase in H. pylori eradication over the 18-year period will affect upper gastrointestinal disorders in South Korea.

Sero-prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Neyshabur, Iran, During 2010-2015

The Helicobacter pylori prevalence has continuously decreased during recent years in Iran. The current study aimed at determining H. pylori prevalence in Neyshabur city, Northeast Iran, during 2010-2015. The current epidemiologic survey was conducted in Neyshabur from 2010 to 2015 to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection. A total of 11596 participants (3681 male with the mean age of 31.7±6.2 years and 7915 female with mean age of 68.3±4.7 years) were included. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits for the detection of H. pylori and Stat Fax 3200® Microplate Reader (USA) with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 98% were used. Titers above 12 units were considered positive for IgG, IgA, and IgM (negative <8, equivocal 8 to 12, and positive >12 U). The Chi-square t test and F test were used to analyze data. The overall IgA, IgG, and IgM seropositive samples among the study participants were 852 (7.2%), 9000 (72.8%), and 1256 (5.2%), respectively. The IgA seropositivity was significantly high among the age group above 51 years, compared with the other age groups. Moreover, the IgG and IgM seropositivity were significantly high among the age groups 41 to 50 and 31 to 40 years respectively, compared with the other age groups. There was no significant difference between male and female cases regarding IgA and IgG seropositive samples, but IgM level was significantly higher among females, compared with that of the male cases. Furthermore, there was no significant alteration in IgA, IgG, and IgM seropositivity during 2010-2014 in Neyshabur. The prevalence ofH. pyloriin Neyshabur was high in the healthy population. Furthermore, the H. pylori prevalence did not change from 2010 to 2014 in the studied city. Effective approaches to improve health, educational, and socioeconomic status should be implemented to minimize and controlH. pyloriinfection.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among dyspeptic patients in a tertiary care centre in South Kerala, India

Background: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is the most common bacterial infection in humans. It affects > 50% of world population and remains the major aetiological agent of ailments of upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract of humans. HP eradication prevents pre-neoplastic changes of gastric mucosa and regression of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid type lymphoma. For these reasons and many others, it is worthwhile testing patients with dyspepsia for HP, who might benefit from eradication therapy. Objective : To study the prevalence of HP infection among dyspeptic patients in a tertiary care centre in South Kerala. Materials and Methods: Gastric biopsy specimens were collected from referred patients with dyspepsia from Southern districts of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta) attending the Gastroenterology Outpatient Department, who underwent upper GI endoscopy, during a one-year period from December 2009 to November 2010. The serum samples were collected for doing HP IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. The biopsy specimens were used for doing rapid urease test (RUT) and culture was done in patients showing urease positivity and/or high level of IgG antibody titre. Results: The study was conducted on 250 consecutive dyspeptic patients, with an age range of 7-73 years. Significant IgG titres (>37.5 IU/ml) were detected in 89 cases (35.6%), while the RUT was positive in 30 cases (12%). Subjects were considered positive for HP infection by combined IgG antibody and/or urease test positivity and negative when both the tests were negative. In this study, ninety patients (36%) were positive for HP infection, and 160 (64%) were negative. Culture was done in patients showing urease positivity and/or high level of IgG antibody titre and proportion of culture positivity among this group was 34%. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of HP infection in South Kerala was found to be low (35.6%). Low infection rates were seen in children, similar to that in developed countries, and it is likely that the prevalence of HP may fall in the coming years. Due to the lower percentage of HP infection in this area, a test and treat policy is applicable as in many developed countries.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Renal Transplant Recipient Attending Duhok Kidney Disease Center

IntroductionHelicobacter pylori plays an important role in the development of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer in the general population. Although dyspeptic complaints are frequent in renal transplant subjects, the role of H pylori in such complaints is not clear. This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of H pylori infection in patients with renal transplant and its role in the development of upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) symptoms. Materials and MethodsWe compared the prevalence of H pylori in 109 renal transplant subjects with the prevalence of 161 healthy volunteers using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure anti-H pylori IgG. Then, within the transplant group, we stratified our data in accordance with different variables, including upper GIT symptoms, sex, education level, smoking, and dialysis history. ResultsThe prevalence of H pylori in the control group was 111 of 161 (68.9%), which was significantly higher than that found in renal transplant subjects (48/109; 43.04%; P = .001). Within the transplant group, no association was found between immunoglobulin G positivity and different variables including upper GIT symptoms, sex, education level, smoking, and dialysis history. ConclusionsThe prevalence of H pylori was lower in transplant subjects than that of general population. Upper GIT symptoms were equally found in both groups. Hence, the routine eradication of H pylori might not be indicated.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Asymptomatic Children in Lagos, Nigeria

Aim: Helicobacter pylori infection is mainly acquired during childhood and is strongly linked with peptic ulcer disease. This study determines the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among school children in Lagos, Nigeria. Place of Study: Alimosho and Ajeromi Local Government Areas of Lagos state, Nigeria between months March to September 2014. Methodology: 195 asymptomatic children of aged 2-16 attending public health facility in selected Local Government in Lagos, Nigeria were recruited for the study with descriptive questionnaire. Blood samples of 5 ml were collected into plain bottle and sera obtained were analysed for Helicobacter pylori Immunoglobulin G using DiaSpot H. pylori kit. Original Research Article Quadri et al.; BJMMR, 9(4): 1-7, 2015; Article no.BJMMR.15985 2 Results: Of the 195 children examined for H. pylori IgG, 72.3% were seropositive while highest rate of 72.7% seroprevalence was recorded among children aged 5-7 years. Of seropositive observed among children aged 5-7 years, 37.5% and 62.5% were male and female respectively, while seropositive rate among children age 8-10 years, 51.3% were female and 48.7% male (p=0.055). Seroprevalence rate of 70.1% was observed among the children living in a house with population of 6 -7 people (p=0.076) while significant value of 69.1% and 76.6% were recorded among the children whose parents are traders and middle class employees respectively (p<0.05). Households with no regular potable water supply (never) have higher rate of 70.3% seroprevalence and 73.2% rate was observed among those that sometimes have water for their drinking and domestic use. Seropositive children of 72.5% sometimes buy food from elsewhere while only 73.2% seropositive always buy food from street vendors or other sources outside their home Conclusion: It could be deduced that while H. pylori is acquired early in life, infection can be asymptomatic and poor standards of living and socioeconomic status can contribute to early infections.

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in England, 2001-2007: time trends and the effect of ethnicity

Background: Helicobacter pylori (HP) prevalence is decreasing in developed countries. Widespread adoption of the 'test and treat' strategy for dyspepsia (2002) may have contributed to this decline. Methods: Time trends in the proportion of positive HP serology results in our institution, covering an ethnically diverse area in London, were analysed between 2001 and 2007. The effect of age, gender and ethnicity was assessed. Results: 12307 tests were carried out between 2001 and 2007 in 11484 consecutive patients. There was a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of positive tests over the study period from 42.8% to 37.6% (p<0.001). HP seroprevalence was higher in older individuals (p<0.001), in men (p=0.001) and in patients of Indian subcontinent descent (p<0.001). There was a fall in the proportion of positive tests to HP over time for both genders and ethnic groups and among patients over age 30. The proportion of positive tests to HP remained unchanged for younger individuals. Conclusion: The proportion of positive HP serology in our institution decreased over a seven-year period. HP infection was more prevalent in older patients. A significant proportion of younger subjects had positive HP serology but the seroprevalence of HP infection amongst subjects aged under 30 remained unchanged.

Trends in Helicobacter pylori infection among Māori, Pacific, and European Birth cohorts in New Zealand.

The aim of this paper is to estimate the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the New Zealand population by ethnicity and year of birth. A systematic search identified seven studies in New Zealand that reported prevalence of H.pylori infection among 4463 participants. Prevalence data were pooled to estimate the Māori, Pacific, and European seroprevalence of H.pylori in four birth cohorts (1926-40, 1941-55, 1956-70, and 1971-85), by assuming that infection is acquired in childhood and seroprevalence is stable with aging. The best estimates of national seroprevalence were obtained by geographic regional weighting and corrections for selection and measurement bias. Infection rates among all ethnic groups declined in more recent birth cohorts. Prevalence was highest among Pacific peoples (ranging from 39-83%) followed by Māori (18-57%) and then European (7-35%). The absolute ethnic differences in seroprevalence decreased in subsequent cohorts, but the relative ethnic differences increased. There is scope to much further reduce Māori and especially Pacific people's risk of H.pylori infection. Solutions to reduce H.pylori prevalence and its sequelae should focus on people at greatest risk of the infection. Further evaluation of strategies to address H.pylori infection is warranted. Interventions to be evaluated could include household crowding reduction and eradication therapy for asymptomatic infected persons to reduce their risk of noncardia stomach cancer.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Polish children and adults depending on socioeconomic status and living conditions

PurposeHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the causes of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer and MALT-lymphoma. The frequency of H. pylori infection is different in various regions of the world and dependent on age, socioeconomic and hygiene status. The objective of this study was to assess seroprevalence and the associated socioeconomic and sociodemographic characteristics influencing H. pylori infection in children and adults in Polish population. Material/methodsIn multicenter epidemiological studies, H. pylori infection occurrence was assessed in Poland in the years 2002 and 2003. The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection diagnosis was based on IgG anti-H. pylori antibodies concentration above 24UI/ml, which was measured using ELISA test. The study included 6565 subjects: 3307 adults (50.37%) and 3258 children (49.63%). ResultsPositive result was observed in 3827 subjects (58.29%), i.e. 1043 children (32.01%) and 2784 adults (84.19%). H. pylori infection prevalence was greater in children of poor economic status, who were born in a rural area, lived in crowded houses with no running tap water and with toilet outside the house, and who did not observe hygiene rules. In adults, the factors predisposing to higher probability of being H. pylori infected included: being born in a rural area, having low family income and elementary education, smoking tobacco, drinking high proof alcohols as well as not observing of hygiene rules. ConclusionsImprovement of socioeconomic status, sanitary and hygienic conditions and the education of the society might decrease H. pylori infection prevalence in children and in adults.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its related risk factors in symptomatic patients in southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori is the main etiology of peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. Various studies showed that blood type ‘O’ is more common among patients with peptic ulcer. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori antibodies and its relationship with ABO/Rhesus blood groups, age, sex and residence of symptomatic patients in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 408 consecutive patients with upper abdominal complaints at Hawassa University Hospital from October 2012 to January 2013. Data on demographic factors was collected from all participants using questionnaires. Blood samples were also collected and tested for ABO and Rh blood group phenotype using hemagglutination test and for anti-H. pylori antibody (IgG) using two different ELISAs..ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 83.3% (340/408), and it was significantly higher in rural (71.2%) compared to urban residents (28.8%) (p = 0.008). Participants with blood group AB, A, O, B, and Rh positive had H. pylori prevalence of 88.9, 84.2, 83.7, 80.9, and 83.5%, respectively. H. pylori infection was not significantly influenced by age, sex, occupation, educational status and ABO/ Rh status (p >0.05).ConclusionThe high seroprevalence of H. pylori infection especially among rural residents calls for immediate intervention measures so that its clinical consequences could be minimized. ABO/Rh blood group was not found to be associated with H. pylori infection.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Family Members of Infected and Non-Infected Symptomatic Children

This study determined the prevalence of seropositivity of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies, and evaluated some socio-epidemiologic characteristics among family members of infected and non-infected symptomatic children. One hundred children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms without previous H. pylori eradication treatment were prospectively studied by both upper endoscopy with histopathological biopsies examination, and serum anti-H. pylori IgG test between July 2012 to June 2013. The patients were subdivided into: H. pylori infected children (GI), and H. pylori non-infected children (GII). Also, 320 of their family members were examined for serum anti-H. pylori IgG and stool antigen tests. Sheets were filled out included personal and medical history. The results showed statistically significant difference between both groups as regard dyspepsia, anemia, and histopathological findings (chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcer, and duodenitis). Family members were subdivided into: those of H. pylori infected symptomatic children (165) and those of H. pylori non-infected symptomatic children (155). Anti-H. pylori IgG prevalence was significantly higher in relatives of GI than those of GII (69.1% vs. 29%; p<0.05). The seroprevalence of H.pylori infection in all family members was (49.7%). Mothers of GI showed the highest seroprevalence (39.5%) as compared to fathers and siblings (22.8%, & 37.7%, respectively). Relatives of GI with low socioeconomic status, and lived in rural area showed the highest seroprevalence (82.5%, & 78.1% respectively).

Helicobacter pylori sero-prevalence in different liver diseases

This study was carried out to investigate the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with different liver diseases and determine the association and correlation between the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and the liver diseases. The presence of a H. pylori antigen was investigated in serum samples from 274 individuals with liver diseases as well as 120 healthy individuals. H. pylori antigen was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot based on specific anti-H. pylori antibody. The result was analyzed using the chi-square test. H. pylori was detected in sera samples of 31.7% (20/63) (X2 = 3.7) of non-cirrhotic, 50% (11/22) (X2 = 3.9) of cirrhotic and 56.1% (106/189) (X2 = 5.2) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) individuals, compared to 8.4% (10/120) of healthy individuals. The levels of H. pyloriantigen were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in sera of different stages of liver diseases compared by healthy individuals. We found a good correlation between H. pylori antigen levels and the severity of the liver diseases (Pathology) (r = 0.368, p < 0.001). Also, there is a correlation between age and H. pylori antigen levels (r = 0.25, p < 0.001). H. pylori infection is correlated with occurrence and development of different stages of liver diseases.   Key words: liver diseases, Helicobacter pylori.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric mucosal atrophy in Bhutan, a country with a high prevalence of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Recently, serum Helicobacter pylori antibodies and pepsinogen (PG) have been used for gastric cancer screening. The incidence of gastric cancer in Bhutan is reported to be quite high compared with that in neighbouring countries. In this study, 381 subjects from three areas of Bhutan were assessed for gastric mucosal atrophy and serological parameters. Anti-H. pylori IgG, PG I, PG II and cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) antibodies were measured using ELISA. Subjects were classified into four groups according to H. pylori and PG seropositivity: Group A (H. pylori-negative/PG-negative), Group B (H. pylori-positive/PG-negative), Group C (H. pylori-positive/PG-positive) and Group D (H. pylori-negative/PG-positive). The prevalence of H. pylori in the 381 subjects was 71.1% (271/381), with high infection rates found in rural areas. The PG I/II ratio was significantly inversely correlated with the atrophy score in the antrum and the corpus (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the PG status was significantly associated with the presence of atrophy in the corpus. The prevalence of the PG-positive status was significantly higher among H. pylori-positive subjects than among H. pylori-negative subjects (P<0.001). Based on the ABC method, Group B was the most dominant, followed by Group A, Group C and Group D. The high incidence of gastric cancer in Bhutan can be attributed to the high prevalence of H. pylori infection and gastric mucosal atrophy.