The prevalence of H. pylori antibodies in asymptomatic young egyptian persons.

Developing countries show a higher incidence of H. pylori infection than developed countries. Also, an earlier age of acquisition of such infection is reported. This study was conducted on Sera from 89 persons who were either admitted for surgical conditions or seen on an outpatient basis and having no G.I. symptoms or signs; all aged below 30 years. Sera were tested by EIA technique for the presence of H. pylori antibodies. The sera of 78 (87.6%) were positive for H. pylori antibodies while only 11(12.4%) were negative. In those below 10 years, 10 (53%) were positive, while 29 (100%) in those between 11 - 20 years were positive and 39 (95%) of those between 21 - 30 years were positive. Ninety one percent of females but only 79% of males were positive. This study clearly illustrates that infection with H. pylori occurs in Egypt very early during childhood below the age of 10. It also shows that the detection of H. pylori antibodies, in Egypt, is of epidemiological and not clinical utility.