Epidemiological study for infection with H. pylori in Japan compared with that in USA, Europe and Asian Pacific area
Shimoyama, T.; Tominaga, Y.; Sakagami, T.; Fukuda, Y.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 57(1): 11-16
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 10036930 Document Number: 510914
The prevalence of infection with H. pylori in developed countries was about 20%, on the other hand in developing countries it reached over 80%. In developed countries 40% of infants already had anti-H. pylori antibody and the prevalence of infection rapidly increased and then reached the peak (80%) in teenager. In contrast in developed countries the rate of infection with H. pylori was below 20% in teenager and gradually increased by age (1% per 1 year). In our country an unique pattern of the prevalence of infection with H. pylori was observed. The rate of infection with H. pylori in young person was low and increased with 1% per 1 year (developed countries pattern). However, middle-aged person had higher rate of infection of H. pylori (over 85%) (developing countries pattern). These results suggested H. pylori infection would be closely associated with childhood living conditions than current living (including socioeconomic) status. From this point of view, the prevention for infection with H. pylori in childhood will be most important to prevent the gastroduodenal disease related with H. pylori in the future.