Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a major gastroduodenal pathogen and its seropositivity is associated with increased risk of development of human active chronic gastritis, peptic and duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among subjects with gastrointestinal problems. A total of 339 serum samples collected from 114 male and 225 female were screened for detection of anti H. pylori IgG, IgA and IgM using commercial ELISA tests. The overall seropositivity rates were as follows: anti H. pylori IgG 73%; anti H. pylori IgM 43% and anti H. pylori IgA 25%. Seropositivity of anti H. pylori IgG increased markedly with age and highest infection rate (96%) was seen in individuals 40 to 50 years old. Anti H. pylori IgA was also correlated with increasing age. No association was detected between H. pylori seropositivity, gender and inflammatory laboratory parameters. This study revealed the high prevalence of H. pylori infection among symptomatic subjects in northwest of Iran.

Key words: Helicobacter pylori, seroprevalence, IgG, IgA, IgM.