[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in normal or asymptomatic patients].

The propose of this prospective study was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic subjects in year 2000. Ninety eight patients not suffering from upper gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 39 years. Helicobacter pylori was present in 81 patients (82.7%). Helicobacter pylori infection increase with age. It was maximal between 30 and 50 years. Helicobacter pylori prevalence is still high in Tunisia as well as in most developing countries. Improvement of hygiene conditions will decrease this prevalence.