Helicobacter pylori infection in healthy people: a dynamic process?
B Meyer1, B Werth, C Beglinger
1Division of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
Gut
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Many healthy individuals possess antibodies against Helicobacter pylori (anti-Hp), but not necessarily active infection. This suggests spontaneous H. pylori elimination is common, unlike in ulcer patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Serological studies indicate a high prevalence of antibodies against Helicobacter pylori (anti-Hp) in healthy populations.
- The clinical significance of anti-Hp antibodies remains unclear, with uncertainty regarding active infection versus past exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between anti-Hp antibody presence and active Helicobacter pylori infection in healthy volunteers.
- To explore the implications of H. pylori eradication in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine anti-Hp antibody titers in 100 healthy volunteers.
- The 13C-urea breath test was employed concurrently to detect active H. pylori infection.
Main Results:
- 49% of participants exhibited high anti-Hp antibody titers.
- Only 24% of participants tested positive for active H. pylori infection.
- A significant discrepancy between antibody presence and active infection was observed.
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of healthy individuals appear to spontaneously clear Helicobacter pylori infections.
- The inability to eliminate H. pylori may be a critical factor in the development of peptic ulcer disease.
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