PREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION IN DISORDERS OF THE UPPERGASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT IN SOUTH-INDIA

Background. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylon) is the most common human in fection. Though most individuals are asymptomatic, H. pylori plays a k ey role in the aetiology of many upper gastrointestinal disorders. The prevalence of duodenal ulcer in south India is high but there are ver y few reports regarding the prevalence of H. pylori infection in vario us upper gastrointestinal disorders in south Indians. Therefore, we st udied the prevalence of H. pylori infection in upper gastrointestinal disorders in south Indians. Methods. Three hundred and thirty-five pat ients with various upper gastrointestinal disorders were included in t he study. Seventy-five patients with no gastrointestinal disease based on symptoms and endoscopy were taken as controls. The H. pylori statu s was determined by the urease test, serology and histology and the pr evalence compared between various upper gastrointestinal disorders, wi th controls and with one another. Results. The prevalence of H. pylori was high in the patients and controls. Duodenal ulcer patients had a significantly higher prevalence compared to controls (p<0.001) and tho se with other upper alimentary disorders. There was no significant dif ference between patients with other disorders and controls nor between each other (p>0.05). Conclusion. The prevalence of H. pylori infectio n is high in south India. It is closely associated with duodenal ulcer . More population-based studies are required to evaluate the relations hip of H. pylori with other disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tr act.