[Epidemiology and transmission route of Helicobacter pylori infection].

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common bacterial infection among humans. Current knowledge implies that acquisition of H. pylori seems to occur predominantly in childhood and a major role of intrafamilial spread is now beyond controversy. However, the major route of transmission remains poorly understood. The prevalence of H. pylori infection continues to vary markedly between developing countries and developed countries, and according to ethnicity, place of birth and socioeconomic factors among people living in the same country. According to the nation-wide seroprevalence study for 5,732 asymptomatic Korean population, which was conducted from March 1998 to October 1998, the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 46.6%, showing the transition from a developing country to a developed country. The seroprevalence in children (neonate-15 yr) and adult (16-79 yrs) were 17.2% and 66.9%, respectively. According to multivariate analysis, variables such as sex, age, geographic area, crowding (number of person per room) in childhood, economic status in childhood, and types of housing in childhood were significantly and independently associated with H. pylori seroprevalence of adults. In children, age, geographic area, household income, mother's education, and drinking water source were significant factors of H. pylori infection. As 7 years has already passed since the nation-wide study, well designed study for the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection, by which epidemiological factors and the route of transmission of H. pylori infection could be discovered, is warranted.