Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori ingection in asymptomatic people in Korea

Kim, Jin Ho; Kim, Hak Yang; Kim, Na Young; Kim, Sang Woo; Kim, Jae Gyu; Kim, Jae Jun; Seo, Jeong Kee; Sim, Jae Geon; Roe, Im Hwan; Ahn, Hyeongsik; Yoon, Byung Chul; Lee, Sang Woo; Lee, Yong Chan; Chung, In Sik; Jung, Hwoon Yong; Hong, Weon Seon; Choi, Kyoo Wan

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori infection occurs throughout the world and causes various gastroduodenal diseases in all age groups. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies among countries and races. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in healthy people in Korea.
METHODS
From March 1998 to October 1998, 5,732 asymptomatic subjects responded to the self-assessment questionnaires from 54 hospitals were enrolled. Serum level of anti-H. pylori IgG was measured by ELISA test.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 46.6% and showed no significant difference between male (47.2%) and female (45.9%). According to the geographic areas, the highly prevalent provinces were Kangwon (53.4%), Cheju (52.9%) and Jeonra provinces (50.6%), while Seoul (41.9%) was the lowest prevalent area. The seroprevalence increased with age and was the highest at 40's (78.5%). The characteristic feature of this study was that the infection rate increased steeply in three age groups (10-12, 16-19 years old and 30's). In Seoul, there was no different prevalence rate among the districts studied.
CONCLUSION
The nation-wide seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in Korea is higher than that of the developed countries. We hope that this study provides the landmark for the study of H. pylori infection in Korea.