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Helicobacter pylori infection in a healthy population in Spain

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in healthy individuals in Spain and its relationship with different epidemiological features. Patients and methods: The study was conducted on a large group of healthy individuals without ulcer disease antecedents or other gastrointestinal disease; moreover, information was obtained on symptoms attributable to the gastrointestinal tract, smoking, alcohol consumption, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use as well as the presence of peptic ulcer disease antecedents among first-degree relatives. The H. pylori infection status was ascertained by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody determination, using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Three hundred and eighty-one individuals (138 males and 243 females) were included in the study (mean age: 34.3±12.9 years; range: 5–77). Two hundred and two individuals (53%) were positive for H. pylori IgG antibodies. A consistent increase in H. pylori infection seroprevalence with increasing age was observed. No association was observed between H. pylori infection and consumption of alcohol, NSAID use or smoking. On the other hand, the presence of digestive symptoms and peptic ulcer disease antecedents among first-degree relatives were associated with a higher prevalence of infection in a given individual (P<0.05). Conclusion: H. pylori infection seroprevalence in healthy individuals in Spain is similar to that in countries with high socio-economic standards and other Western countries. Digestive symptoms and previous antecedents of peptic ulcer disease in first-degree relatives were associated with a higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 1996, 8:1165–1168