The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori positivity in a symptom-free population, aged 1 to 40 years

doi:10.1016/0895-4356(94)90095-7

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Volume 47, Issue 10, October 1994, Pages 1095-1098

https://doi.org/10.1016/0895-4356(94)90095-7 Get rights and content

Abstract

Epidemiologic data about the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori positivity as determined by serology are presented in a large series of asymptomatic subjects (n = 1046). Serology is nowadays generally accepted as a valid non-invasive screening method for the detection of a Helicobacter pylori infection. Blood samples were taken from apparently healthy children (n = 480; aged 1–17 years) and pregnant women (n = 566; age 18–40 years) who were admitted for routine pre-surgery or pre-natal blood analysis. 162 (15.5%) had a positive titer for Helicobacter pylori. There was a significant increase in the number of positive patients with increasing age (ranging from 6.2% in the age group of the 1–5 years old to 31.0% in the age group of the 36–40 years old (p < 0.01). The meaning of this relatively high prevalence of “asymptomatic carriers” remains to be evaluated. A long-term follow-up of these patients should be considered to evaluate if they will develop clinical manifestations suggestive for Helicobacter pylori infection.

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Cited by (48)

The seroepidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in Australia
2008, International Journal of Infectious Diseases
Citation Excerpt :
Prevalence rates across the broader population are not widely available, especially in developed countries, and comparison with results from our study was difficult to assess. The available population-based serological studies show that the prevalence is lower than or comparable to rates found in other developed countries, with older studies revealing rates of 15.5%, 21%, and 25% in Belgium, England, and France, respectively.19,20 The prevalence rate in Australia is less than half the rate in the USA.13
Infection with Helicobacter pylori is common worldwide and a significant cause of upper gastrointestinal disease. Prevalence of this infection varies in different population groups internationally. Because of the invasiveness of specimen collection for bacteriologic diagnosis and the expense of tests such as labeled urea breath tests, serology is the most feasible means of determining the population epidemiology of H. pylori. The aim of this study was to describe the seroepidemiology of H. pylori infection in Australia.
H. pylori-specific ELISA for the presence of IgG antibodies was performed on a representative sample of 2413 sera from Australia in 2002, using validated serosurveillance methods.
The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in Australia was 15.1% in 2002, with no statistical difference between genders. Seropositivity rates increased progressively with age, ranging between 4.0% in the 1–4-year-olds and 23.3% in the 50–59-year-olds.
The prevalence of infection with H. pylori in Australia was lower than rates reported in other developed countries, at 15.4%. This study provides important baseline measurements for future preventive measures including vaccine research and development. Further studies to determine subgroups at higher risk of infection may help target the more susceptible populations.
Sjogren's syndrome: Concomitant H. Pylori infection and possible correlation with clinical parameters
2005, Joint Bone Spine
Objective. – To identify whether or not there are clinical markers that correlate with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) and its implication to handling this group of patients.
Methods. – Four groups of patients were studied. Group 1, 36 patients with primary SS; group 2, 31 patients with secondary SS; group 3, 46 patients with various connective tissue diseases not suffering from sicca symptoms, and group 4, 64 healthy controls. Clinical assessment was done and a score for disease manifestation was given for every SS patient. Serum IgG and IgM antibodies to H. pylori were assessed by ELISA.
Results. – The prevalence and mean titer of H. pylori infection in patients with SS in group 1 (80.6%) and 2 (71%) were significantly higher than in group 3 (60.9%) and 4 (56.3%) (P < 0.01). There was significant correlation between H. pylori infection and age, disease duration, global score for disease status and C-reactive protein (CRP) in SS patients. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation with body mass index, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Conclusion. – Patients with SS are more prone to have H. pylori infection in comparison to other connective tissue diseases. Serum antibody titer to H. pylori correlated with index for clinical disease manifestations, age, disease duration and CRP. Assessment of H. pylori infection in older patients suffering from active SS for a relatively long duration is recommended, especially those suffering form primary SS for more than 3 years.
Sjögren's Syndrome: Concomitant Helicobacter pylori infection and possible correlation with clinical parameters
2005, Revue du Rhumatisme (Edition Francaise)
Objectif. – Identifier des marqueurs cliniques corrélés à l'infection à Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) chez des patients souffrant de syndrome de Sjögren (SS) et en tirer des conséquences pour leur prise en charge.
Méthodes. – Quatre groupes de patients ont été étudiés. Groupe 1 : 36 patients souffrant d'un SS primitif ; groupe 2 : 31 patients souffrant d'un SS secondaire ; groupe 3 : 46 patients souffrant de connectivites diverses sans syndrome sec, et le groupe 4 : 64 sujets contrôles sains. Une évaluation clinique a été faite et un score de manifestations cliniques a été donné à chaque patient ayant un SS. Les taux sériques d'anticorps IgG et IgM anti-H. pylori ont été mesurés par ELISA.
Résultats. – La prévalence et le taux moyen d'infection à H. pylori chez les patients ayant un SS {groupe 1 (80,6 %) et 2 (71 %)} étaient significativement plus élevés que dans les groupes 3 (60,9 %) et 4 (56,3 %) (p < 0,01). Une corrélation significative était retrouvée entre l'infection à H. Pylori et l'âge, la durée de la maladie, le score global d'activité de la maladie et la Protéine-C-Réactive chez les patients ayant un SS. Par ailleurs, il n'y avait pas de corrélation significative avec l'index de masse corporelle et la vitesse de sédimentation (VS).
Conclusion. – Les patients souffrant de syndrome de Sjögren sont plus sujets aux infections à H. pylori en comparaison avec les patients souffrant d'autres connectivites. Les taux d'anticorps anti-H. pylori sont corrélés à l'index de manifestations cliniques, l'âge, la durée de la maladie et la CRP. Nous recommandons de rechercher une infection à H. pylori chez les patients âgés souffrant d'un syndrome de Sjögren actif depuis longtemps, surtout ceux atteints d'un SS primitif depuis plus de trois ans.
Objective. – To identify whether or not there are clinical markers that correlate with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) and its implication to handling this group of patients.
Methods. – Four groups of patients were studied. Group 1, 36 patients with primary SS; Group 2, 31 patients with secondary SS; Group 3, 46 patients with various connective tissue diseases not suffering from sicca symptoms, and Group 4, 64 healthy controls. Clinical assessment was done and a score for disease manifestation was given for every SS patient. Serum IgG and IgM antibodies to H. pylori were assessed by ELISA.
Results. – The prevalence and mean titer of H. pylori infection in patients with SS [group 1 (80.6%) and 2 (71%)] were significantly higher than in group 3 (60.9%) and 4 (56.3%) (P < 0.01). There was significant correlation between H. pylori infection and age, disease duration, global score for disease status and C-reactive protein in SS patients. On the other hand there was no significant correlation with body mass index, and E.S.R.
Conclusion. – Patients with Sjogren’s syndrome are more prone to have H. pylori infection in comparison to other connective tissue diseases. Serum antibody titer to H. pylori correlated with index for clinical disease manifestations, age, disease duration and CRP. Assessment of H. pylori infection in older patients suffering from active SS for relatively long duration is recommended, especially those suffering form primary SS for more than 3 years.
Gastric and duodenal ulcers during pregnancy
2003, Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
Gastritis
2001, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America
A wide variety of infectious, inflammatory, and other disorders affect the gastric mucosa in pediatric patients. The most common cause of gastritis in children is Helicobacter pylori infection, which is also responsible for the majority of duodenal ulcers. Acute erosive gastritis is most commonly the result of metabolic stress or drug or corrosive injury. Other major causes of gastritis include celiac disease, allergic disorders, and Crohn’s disease. The distinctive clinical, endoscopic, and histologic features of these disorders are discussed.
A critical evaluation of the evidence on a causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori and otitis media with effusion
2008, Journal of Laryngology and Otology

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Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Abstract

References (23)

A sensitive and specific serologic test for detection of Campylobacter pylori infection

Gastroenterology

Screening dyspepsia by serology to Helicobacter pylori

Lancet

Childhood living conditions and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in adult life

Lancet

Seroconversion for Helicobacter pylori

Lancet

Unidentified curved bacilli on gastric epithelium in active chronic gastritis

Lancet

Relation of Campylobacter pyloridis to gastritis and peptic ulcer

J Infect Dis

Prevalence of Campylobacter pylori in duodenal and gastric mucosa-relationship to inflammation

Scand J Gastroenterol

Pyloric Campylobacter infection and gastroduodenal disease

Med J Aust

Helicobacter pylori infection in children

Nodular gastritis and Helicobacter pylori

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr

Campylobacter pylori associated gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in children

AJDC

Cited by (48)

The seroepidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in Australia

Sjogren's syndrome: Concomitant H. Pylori infection and possible correlation with clinical parameters

Sjögren's Syndrome: Concomitant Helicobacter pylori infection and possible correlation with clinical parameters

Gastric and duodenal ulcers during pregnancy

Gastritis

A critical evaluation of the evidence on a causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori and otitis media with effusion

Original articleThe prevalence of Helicobacter pylori positivity in a symptom-free population, aged 1 to 40 years

Abstract

Gastroenterology

Lancet

Lancet

Lancet

Unidentified curved bacilli on gastric epithelium in active chronic gastritis

Lancet

Relation of Campylobacter pyloridis to gastritis and peptic ulcer

J Infect Dis

Prevalence of Campylobacter pylori in duodenal and gastric mucosa-relationship to inflammation

Scand J Gastroenterol

Pyloric Campylobacter infection and gastroduodenal disease

Med J Aust

Helicobacter pylori infection in children

Nodular gastritis and Helicobacter pylori

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr

Campylobacter pylori associated gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in children

AJDC

Original article
The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori positivity in a symptom-free population, aged 1 to 40 years