Published online Nov 14, 2019. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i42.6365
Peer-review started: September 2, 2019
First decision: September 19, 2019
Revised: October 10, 2019
Accepted: October 18, 2019
Article in press: October 18, 2019
Published online: November 14, 2019
Processing time: 72 Days and 20.2 Hours
Epidemiologic studies have revealed a decrease in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Western Europe.
To obtain data regarding the prevalence of H. pylori in Csongrád and Békés Counties in Hungary, evaluate the differences in its prevalence between urban and rural areas, and establish factors associated with positive seroprevalence.
One-thousand and one healthy blood donors [male/female: 501/500, mean age: 40 (19–65) years] were enrolled in this study. Subjects were tested for H. pylori IgG antibody positivity via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subgroup analysis by age, gender, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and urban vs non-urban residence was also performed.
The overall seropositivity of H. pylori was 32%. It was higher in males (34.93% vs 29.2%, P = 0.0521) and in rural areas (36.2% vs 27.94%, P = 0.0051). Agricultural/industrial workers were more likely to be positive for infection than office workers (38.35% vs 30.11%, P = 0.0095) and rural subjects in Békés County than those in Csongrád County (43.36% vs 33.33%, P = 0.0015).
Although the prevalence of H. pylori infection decreased in recent decades in Southeast Hungary, it remains high in middle-aged rural populations. Generally accepted risk factors for H. pylori positivity appeared to be valid for the studied population.
Core tip: Whereas a decrease in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been confirmed in Western Europe, its prevalence in Central Europe, which has a substantial rural population, is unclear. Therefore, this study analyzed the prevalence of H. pylori among healthy volunteers in two Hungarian counties. The results of the study illustrated that the seropositivity of H. pylori in this area was 32%. The prevalence was higher in males, among people living in rural areas. Agricultural/industrial workers were more likely to be positive for infection than office workers. Meanwhile, rural subjects in Békés County had higher prevalence than those in Csongrád County.