SEROPREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI IN THE ISRAELI POPULATION

Objective: To study the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in a representative group of the adult population of central Israel and to evaluate factors which might affect its distribution. Design: Serum specimens were obtained from 311 individuals aged between 20-70 years undergoing periodic health examination initiated by several employers. We randomly selected about 30 subjects of each gender for each decade of age. Subjects answered a standardized questionnaire. A specific, second generation enzyme immunoassay was used to determine the presence of anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G. Results: The seroprevalence of H. pylori in the overall population was 65%; it increased with age from 43% in those aged between 20-30 years to more than 80% in those aged 60% years and older (P<0.001). H. pylori infection was not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, origin, occupation or coffee and tea consumption. The relative risk for H. pylori infection was increased in women smokers. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of H. pylori increased with age and was unrelated to the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms.