Helicobacter Pylori prevalence remains high in middle aged healthy, south-east Hungarian, rural males

Introduction: Epidemiologic studies indicate a decrease in prevalence of HP infection in Western Europe. In contrast, little is known about Central Europe, where substantial part of the population still lives outside of cities.

The aim of the study was to obtain data on the HP prevalence in Csongrád and Békés County in Hungary and to compare this value with the data collected 15 years ago in Vas County. The secondary aim was to study the differences between the prevalence of HP infection in people living in large cities and in the countryside.

Methods: Six-hundred and thirty-seven healthy blood donor volunteers (M/F: 319/318, mean age: 40 (19 – 65) years) were enrolled. Data collection was carried out by means of a questionnaire. All subjects were tested for HP IgG antibody positivity by enzyme linked immuno assay (ELISA). Subgroup analysis by age, gender, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, urban and non-urban population was also performed.

Results: During the last 15 years the overall prevalence of HP infection is halved (65 vs. 32%) in the studied healthy subjects. It was higher in males (35 vs. 30%), as well as in rural people (37 vs. 27%). In contrast similar prevalence was found in younger (< 40 years) urban and rural females. The highest prevalence was found in rural males over forty years (55%). Linear association was established according to age in both sexes (p < 0.01). Smoking and alcohol consumption were not related to HP infection.

Conclusions: The overall prevalence of HP infection is decreasing in South-East Hungary similarly to the Western countries, although it is still high in middle aged rural males. This increased HP prevalence in non-urban males and the age distribution of the HP positive subjects may be explained by hygienic circumstances.