Seroprevalence of anti Helicobacter pylori IgG/IgA in asymptomatic population from Delhi.

Helicobacter pylori is recognised as the most important etiological agent for chronic antral gastritis in humans, the major predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of duodenal and gastric ulcers as well as probable cofactor in the development of gastric cancer. This study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of anti - H. pylori IgG/ IgA in asymptomatic population. Two hundred and fifty eight serum samples from various age groups (1-40 years) were collected from patients admitted to the wards for conditions other than gastrointestinal disorders and screened for anti H. pylori IgG/IgA antibodies. The prevalence of anti H. pylori IgG/IgA in the age group < 10 years, 10-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years and anti 40 years were found to be 38.89%, 52.08%, 59.62%, 67.88% and 54.17% respectively. The prevalence of H. pylori increased markedly with age, being maximum in 30-39 year age group. Similar trend was observed in a study conducted in South India and Mumbai. Almost half the children acquire H. pylori infection early in life which increases slowly and steadily with a peak prevalence in the age group 30-39 years and then declines as the age advances. There was no significant difference in prevalence rate in males and females.