Prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori infection among population of Ryazan region

Aim. Determination of the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among the population of the Ryazan region.

Materials and Methods. 833 individuals (809 adults and 24 children) were examined for presence of IgG class antibodies using the enzyme immunoassay (2017-2018). The criteria for inclusion into the study were: a desire of a patient to undergo examination for the presence of antibodies to H. pylori in blood. Criteria for exclusion: past treatment for helicobacteriosis. The presence of helicobacteriosis was determined by enzyme immunoassay for quantitative detection of IgG class antibodies (anti-H. pylori IgG) using BCM Diagnostics Helicobacter pylori IgG (USA) test system and for qualitative determination of IgG antibodies to H. pylori in blood serum on IMMULITE 2000 (Germany; test IMMULITE^® 2000 H. pylori IgG). Sensitivity of the used test systems was >95.0%, specificity >98.0%.

Results. High contamination of adult residents of Ryazan with H. pylori – 65.6% was found (70.6% of males, 64.4% of females). Prevalence of H. pylori infection among adults in 2017 was 64.4% and in 2018 – 70.2%, however, the observed increase in the number of infected individuals was not statistically significant (p<0.05). The highest prevalence of H. pylori infection was observed in individuals ≥40 years of age (67.2%). Gender-related differences in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection were revealed in individuals of 40 years and older. H. pylori infection in males of ≥40 years was 75.2%, against 65.5% in females of the same age (p<0.05). In children of 4-16 years, the share of individuals with positive serological test with anti-H. pylori IgG reached 20.8%. All H. pylori infected children were above 9 years of age. Individuals with positive serological tests received consultation of a gastroenterologist, and on indications underwent additional examination with administration of eradication treatment. In patients with indefinite results the examination was repeated after a week and/or the presence of H. pylori antigen in feces was determined.

Conclusion. The data obtained indicate a high level of infection with H. pylori in the adult population in the Ryazan region – 65.6%. The incidence of detection of anti-H. pylori IgG in the population was maximal in individuals ≥40 years (67.2%).