Serologic IgG response to urease in Helicobacter pylori-infected persons from Mexico

Helicobacter pylori urease is required to counteract acidity during coloniz ation of the stomach, and has been suggested as a major immunodominant anti gen. The aim of this study was to determine the anti urease response in a r epresentative national serologic survey in Mexico. The population surveyed included persons 1-90 years of age from all socioeconomic levels and geogra phic zones of the country. Helicobacter pylori status was determined by ELI SA serology. The Ige anti-urease was studied by ELISA using a recombinant a poenzyme. We found that 2,930 of the 7,720 infected patients (38%) were ser opositive for IgG urease. The rate of IgG anti-urease positivity increased with age; in children < 10 years old it was < 20% and in persons > 40 years old it was > 50%. Age and a region with a high level of development were r isk factors for seropositivity, whereas gender, educational level, crowding , and socioeconomic level were not associated with seropositivity. In concl usion, in natural infection with H, pylori, the response to urease is poor, mainly during the first years of infection. This inconsistent immune respo nse to the enzyme may favor persistence of infection. A vaccine eliciting a consistent anti-urease response might overcome immune evasion and enhance clearance of bacteria after exposure.