Helicobacter pylori prevalence in the Southwest of China: A protocol for systematic review

Helicobacter pylori infection prevalence declined among an urban health check-up population in Chengdu, China: a longitudinal analysis of multiple cross-sectional studies

Objectives

The efficacy of updated health policy in improving the generalization of Helicobacter pylori screening and eradication in southwest China was assessed in a longitudinal analysis of multiple cross-sectional studies from an institution.

Methods

In the periods 2009-2010, 2013-2014, and 2019-2021, 8,365, 16,914, and 18,281 urban observations from health check-ups at West China Hospital were analyzed, respectively. The 14C-urea or 13C-urea breath test was consistently used for H. pylori detection. The protocol has been reported elsewhere (PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42019120764).

Results

The overall prevalence of H. pylori dramatically decreased from 53.1% to 30.7% over the past decade (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.37-0.41), with a similar decline in all sex-specific and age-specific subgroups. The age-specific prevalence consistently increased before 40 years of age and always peaked at 50-59 years. Longitudinal clearance increased along with aging, and prevalence dropped to 22.6%, 25.1%, and 23.6% in the 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years initial age groups, respectively.

Conclusion

The generalization of H. pylori screening and eradication could greatly contribute to the control of H. pylori infection among urban health check-up populations and lower gastric cancer incidence.

Prevalence Difference of Helicobacter pylori Infection Between Tibetan and Han Ethnics in China: A Meta-analysis on Epidemiologic Studies (SIGES)

China is a multi-ethnic country, and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori) infection may be diverse among ethnics. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the prevalence of H pylori infection between Tibetans and Han ethnics. Ten studies that reported the prevalence of H pylori infection between Tibetans and Hans in China were eligible. The pooled prevalence of H pylori infection was 62.2% versus 55.3% among Tibetans and Hans, respectively. Tibetans had a higher risk of H pylori infection than Hans (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.05, 1.80]). In subgroup analysis, Tibetans with upper gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.06-2.16]), inhabiting in Tibet (OR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.22, 1.87]), or inhabiting in Northwestern region (OR = 1.15, 95% CI [1.00, 1.31]) had significantly higher risks of H pylori infection. In addition, in the recent 10 years, Hans showed a decreased risk of H pylori infection (OR = 1.81, 95% CI [1.42, 2.30]). Heterogeneity was common, while sensitivity analyses showed partially inconsistent results against main findings. This study demonstrated higher prevalence of H pylori infection in Tibetans compared with Hans, especially in recent years, or in Tibet and northwest China, as well as symptomatic Tibetans. The results suggest tailored strategy and robustness need to be further considered for H pylori screening and eradication among Tibetans.

Review: Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori

This review summarizes the recent knowledge on the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori and the potential modes of transmission. In addition to English language publications, the authors have included original full-text publications from Russia and Latin America published in the original languages. High H pylori prevalence has been reported in Russia, Jordan, Iran, China, and Latin American countries as well as in Arctic populations in Canada. Indigenous inhabitants in the Arctic were found to be infected substantially more frequently than non-indigenous inhabitants. In Amsterdam, the Netherlands, the ethnic minority groups were at a significantly higher risk of being H pylori seropositive compared to the Dutch population. For the first time, data on the prevalence from Armenia have been published indicating 41.5% H pylori prevalence. Convincing evidence on the decline of H pylori prevalence in Southeast Hungary and Taiwan was published. A study from Chile suggested high infection rates in newborns during the first month after birth. Two meta-analyses covered the potential correlation between H pylori and periodontal diseases, therefore addressing the potential oro-oral transmission rates. Periodontal disease was found to be more prevalent in H pylori-infected subjects. Other studies addressed the potential role of drinking water and food products as well as socioeconomic factors in transmitting the infection. Several studies in Asia addressed annual reinfection rates of H pylori, ranging from 1.5% in China to 3.1% in Korea. Finally, a review was published on the current evidence and future perspective of analysing H pylori in ancient human remains by a metagenomic approach.