A cohort study on Helicobacter pylori serology before and after induction in the Hellenic Navy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To determine whether military personnel are at increased risk of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in proportion to their occupation during their national service in the armed forces.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from 142 young male Hellenic Navy recruits (mean age, 23.6 years; range, 20-30 years). The first specimen was obtained during their induction into the Hellenic Navy, and the second was obtained after having served for 8 months in different services within Greece. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect HP-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed using the sign test, logistic regression, and the chi 2 test.

RESULTS

The crude seropositivity rate increased from 19.01% to 28.16% (p = 0.007). Of the 115 initially seronegative subjects, 17 (14.8%) seroconverted. The most important predictive variable for seroconversion was deployment in a crowded commission (> 20 subjects) combined with the absence of air conditioning in personnel sleeping quarters (p = 0.03, odds ratio = 3.14).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the risk of HP infection increases among 20- to 30-year-old individuals during their national service. Degrading environmental conditions may play a major role in HP transmission between young adults who serve in the armed forces.