Carmack SW, Genta RM. Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in symptomatic veterans: a study of 7310 patients over 11 years.
Helicobacter 2009;
14:298-302. [PMID:
19674134 DOI:
10.1111/j.1523-5378.2009.00693.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection has been decreasing in the USA, but recent data are lacking. This study evaluates the seroprevalence for anti-H. pylori antibodies in symptomatic veterans tested over the past 11 years.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The same serum anti-H. pylori IgG detection system has been used at a tertiary care Veterans Affairs hospital since late 1996. Results of all tests performed from 1997 to 2007 were analyzed.
RESULTS
Of 7310 unique patients tested, 3982 (54.5%) were positive. Seropositivity declined from 70.8% in 1997 to 48.6% in 2002, then reached a plateau around 50%. A strong birth cohort effect was present, from a seropositivity of 72.7% for the veterans born before 1920 to 22% for those born between after 1980.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite a constant birth cohort effect, H. pylori seropositivity among symptomatic veterans leveled down at approximately 50% after declining steadily from 1997 to 2002.
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