Helicobacter pylori seroepidemiology in risk groups.

Helicobacter pylori is associated with peptic ulcer and chronic active gastritis. The response to infection can be determined by measuring serum titers of anti-H. pylori antibodies. We compared antibody titers in 612 serum samples from 570 individuals considered at risk for H. pylori infection, 170 of them are control sera from 110 adults and 60 children with no gastric alterations. The study groups were 93 institutionalized mentally handicapped children, 40 heterosexual couples, 101 HIV-sero-positive patients, 86 patients with chronic renal failure and 40 individuals (20 adults and 20 children) with symptoms associated with gastritis or gastroduodenal ulcer disease. In the adult and child control groups, 33.5% and 11.6% of the individuals had circulating anti-H. pylori antibodies. Significantly more adults (80%) and children (75%) with gastric symptoms had detectable circulating antibody titers. Elevated titers were also found in institutionalized children and in adults with renal failure.