HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION IN A HEALTHY POPULATION IN SPAIN

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infe ction in healthy individuals in Spain and its relationship with differ ent epidemiological features. Patients and methods: The study was cond ucted on a large group of healthy individuals without ulcer disease an tecedents or other gastrointestinal disease; moreover, information was obtained on symptoms attributable to the gastrointestinal tract, smok ing, 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 ascertaine d by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody determination, using a quantitati ve enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Three hundred and eight y-one individuals (138 males and 243 females) were included in the stu dy (mean age: 34.3 +/- 12.9 years; range: 5-77). Two hundred and two i ndividuals (53%) were positive for H. pylori IgG antibodies. A consist ent 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 antecedent s among first-degree relatives were associated with a higher prevalenc e of infection in a given individual (P < 0.05). Conclusion: H. pylori infection seroprevalence in healthy individuals in Spain is similar t o that in countries with high socio-economic standards and other Weste rn countries. Digestive symptoms and previous antecedents of peptic ul cer disease in first-degree relatives were associated with a higher pr evalence of Helicobacter pylori infection.