Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic subjects in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter.pylori antibodies in asymptomatic healthy population.

METHODS

Convenient sampling was done in asymptomatic healthy individuals accompanying the patients who had no previous history of epigastric pain. Venous blood was collected from individuals and sera separated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine H. pylori IgG antibodies in all sera.

RESULTS

A total of 396 samples were collected. H. pylori antibodies were found in 201 (51%) individuals. A 46% seroprevalence was found in subjects 15-20 years of age, which gradually increased with age and reached to .61% in subjects up to 50 years of age. Subjects > 40 years had higher antibody response than those < 40 years. There was no significant association between presence of H. pylori antibodies and dietary habits and sources of drinking water. H. pylori antibodies in female smokers were found in 9% and in non smoking females were 91% but no such difference was found in male smokers or non-smokers.

CONCLUSION

Infection with H. pylori is prevalent in the healthy individuals of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Infection is acquired in the early age and reaches up to 61% as the age advances. A nation wide epidemiological study is warranted to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori in Saudi Arabia.