Helicobacter pylori in a Chukotka Native male population

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a widespread human pathogen closely associated with gastroduodenal diseases. Thirty-four males from one of the settlements of coastal Chukotka (72% of total adult male population, mean age 31.6 years) underwent upper endoscopy, and HP was examined histologically in antral biopsies (Giemsa stain). Histology revealed normal mucosa in 16%, antral superficial gastritis in 29%, and atrophic gastritis in 55%. HP was found in 40% of histological specimens of normal mucosa, in 100% of superficial gastritis, and in 77% of atrophic gastritis. Correlation was found between the degree of bacterial contamination and both the activity of gastritis and grade of mononuclear infiltration. Data indicate a high prevalence of HP among Chukotka Natives (77%) which may partly explain the significant frequency of antral gastritis in this population.