Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Natal/KwaZulu, South Africa

Abstract

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the four main racial groups in Natal/KwaZulu. Design: An enzyme immuoassay was used to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection. Patients: The seroprevalence of H. pylori was determined in 1352 subjects (age range: 2 months to 87 years). Results: In total, 76% (302 out of 398) of Africans were seropositive and more than 50% of African children were infected by the age of 10 years. There was no significant difference (P = 0.976) in the prevalence of H. pylori infection between rural (28 out of 37; 76%) and urban (274 out of 361; 76%) Africans. In 1183 blood donors (age range: 17-87 years), there was a higher prevalence of H. pylori infection in Indians (295 out of 358; 83%), Coloureds (113 out of 140; 81%) and Africans (212 out of 228; 93%) compared with Whites (191 out of 457; 42%; P < 0.0001)