High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the Alaska native population andassociation with low serum ferritin levels in young adults

Iron deficiency anemia is a common public health problem in the Alaska Nati ve population. Yet, a clear etiology has eluded researchers for decades. Pr evious studies suggested a Link between Helicobacter pylori infection, gast rointestinal blood loss due to hemorrhagic gastritis, and generalized iron deficiency anemia in adult Alaska Natives. Therefore, we examined the assoc iation between the prevalence of H. pylori-specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum ferritin levels, a marker of iron deficiency. A random sample of 2,080 serum samples from Alaska Native residents drawn between 1980 and 198 6 from residents in 13 regions was selected, and the samples were stratifie d by age, sex, and region. Overall, 75% were positive for H. pylori-specifi c IgG. The rate of H. pylori seropositivity increased with age; by age 14 y ears, 78% of the residents were positive. There were no gender differences in H. pylori seropositivity. However, marked regional differences were obse rved. Serum ferritin levels of <12 ng/ml were found most commonly among per sons <20 years of age and among women of childbearing age. A significant as sociation between low serum ferritin levels and prevalence of H, pylori-spe cific IgG was found, particularly for people aged less than 20 years. H. py lori may be a factor contributing to the iron deficiency anemia in the Alas ka Native population.