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Helicobacter pylori
High prevalence of potentially virulent strains ofHelicobacter pylori in the general male British population
  1. J Danesha,
  2. P Whincupb,
  3. M Walkerc,
  4. L Lennonc,
  5. A Thomsonc,
  6. P Applebyd,
  7. C Hawkeye,
  8. J C Athertone
  1. aClinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK, bDepartment of Public Health Sciences, St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17 0RE, UK, cDepartment of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Royal Free UCL Medical School, London, UK, dICRF Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Oxford, UK, eDivision of Gastroenterology and Institute of Infections and Immunity, University of Nottingham, UK
  1. Dr J Danesh

Abstract

BACKGROUND Strains of Helicobacter pylori that express the cytotoxin associated gene product A (CagA) may be more strongly associated with serious gastric diseases, such as gastric cancer and peptic ulceration, than other strains. Data, however, are sparse on the prevalence, risk factors, and other correlates of these strains in the general popu- lation.

AIM To characterise aspects of the seroepidemiology of CagA+ strains ofH pylori in the general British population.

METHODS We measured serum IgG antibodies to mixed H pyloriantigens and separately to CagA in 1025 men aged 40–59 years who were randomly selected from a larger group of participants in a community based survey conducted in 18 different British towns.

RESULTS Overall, 44% (95% confidence interval 41–47%) of the men were seropositive to CagA antibodies, representing about 61% (57–65%) of the men seropositive to mixed antigen H pylori. The risk factors for seropositivity to CagA antibodies were similar to those for seropositivity to mixed antigen H pylori, apart from an increased prevalence of reported bedroom sharing in childhood (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION In a nationwide study of potentially virulent H pylori strains, there was a high prevalence of the infection, with some evidence that acquisition of such strains might occur earlier in life than other strains.

  • Helicobacter pylori
  • cytotoxin associated gene A

  • Abbreviations used in this paper

    CagA
    cytotoxin associated gene product A

    • https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.47.1.23

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    • Abbreviations used in this paper

      CagA
      cytotoxin associated gene product A
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