Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

This review provides the most recent data concerning the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection. Overall, the trend of declining prevalence of H. pylori infection is continuing, with major evidence available from studies in Europe. However, in some parts of the world, for example, in some countries in the Middle East, the prevalence has remained relatively stable. A number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been published during the past year indicating the lowest prevalence rates of the infection in Oceania (24.4%), the highest in Africa (79.1%), and the global annual recurrence rate of H. pylori (4.3%). The recurrence rates were found to be directly related to the human development index and prevalence of infection. Several studies have addressed the correlation between H. pylori infection and sociodemographic conditions, source of drinking water and dietary factors. A hypothesis on the role of insects and yeasts in transmitting H. pylori has been suggested and addressed. Helicobacter sp. have been found in flow flies in Brazil. So far there is no evidence available that H. pylori may survive and persist on the outer body of the fly.

Helicobacter pylori recrudescence and its influencing factors

“…Helicobacter pylori recurrence is generally divided into recrudescence and reinfection . Recrudescence is defined as the reappearance of the original infection following an initially false‐negative post‐eradication test result .…”

“…The rates varied widely among countries and areas from a high of 21.3% to a low of 0.2% . In recent years, more attention has been paid to H pylori and its diseases at home and abroad.…”

“…However, H pylori infection can still recur after eradication therapy. Recurrence can occur by either recrudescence or reinfection . Compared with reinfection, the time window for recrudescence is generally shorter.…”

“…Recurrence can occur by either recrudescence or reinfection. 5 Compared with reinfection, the time window for recrudescence is generally shorter. Recrudescence is generally considered as H pylori recurrence within 1 year after eradication, followed by the recurrence of H pylori-associated diseases in the short-term.…”

Helicobacter pylori infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Time for large clinical trials evaluating eradication therapy

“…Therefore, since we previously recommended a multiple‐target management, thereby concurrently targeting more than one of its pathogenetic hits, H pylori eradication may contribute to a more integrated management of the disease. In this regard, H pylori eradication may not “eradicate” NAFLD, but may provide certain therapeutic benefits, given that H pylori ‐I is still a major global burden …”