Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in the serum of gastroenterologists in Austria.

Eighty-eight endoscopists (mean age 41 years, range 29-76 years) and a control group of 100 persons of similar ages were investigated for the prevalence of antibodies (ABs) to Helicobacter pylori, using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to IgG, two semiquantitative ELISAs to IgG and IgA, and a latex test to IgG and IgM antibodies. The prevalence of antibodies to H. pylori in endoscopists was 48% (quantitative ELISA), 56% (semiquantitative ELISA to IgG), 62% (latex test), and 57% by combined evaluation of semiquantitative ELISAS to IgG and IgA. The respective numbers in the control group were 47%, 48%, 48% and 51%. None of the differences was significant. In both groups, endoscopists and controls, there was a significantly higher H. pylori positivity in older subjects compared to younger persons, but there was no difference between the two groups. The prevalence of ABs was independent to the number of endoscopies previously performed, and independent of protective measures taken, such as wearing gloves during the procedures. Antibody titers as measured with quantitative ELISA showed a positive correlation with the length of time the subject had been active as an endoscopist, but no correlation with the total number of endoscopies performed. In conclusion, the prevalence of ABs to H. pylori in endoscopists follows the age-dependent pattern known from the general population. The regular performance of gastrointestinal endoscopies poses no additional risk of infection with H. pylori in Austria.