Recurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection: incidence and influential factors

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication has been widely used. The recurrence rate of H. pylori after eradication and its related factors are gaining more and more attention. Our study aimed to determine the recurrence rate of H. pylori infection after successful eradication, and analyze its influential factors.

We prospectively studied 1050 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms who were diagnosed as H. pylori infection by gastroscopy and underwent eradication therapies from April 2013 to January 2014. The C-urea breath test (UBT) or Warthin-Starry (WS) staining was done at 8 to 12 weeks after the therapy. Patients with successful eradication were followed by repeated UBT or gastroscopy at one year and 3 years after therapy, as well as, questionnaire surveys. Recurrence was considered if the UBTs or WS staining of biopsy were positive. One-year and 3-year recurrence rates were calculated, and analyzed the differences between recurred patients and others in basic data, sociological characteristics, lifestyle.

A total of 743 patients finished the 1-year follow-up, and the 1-year recurrence rate was 1.75%. Of the 607 patients who finished the 3-year follow-up, 28 patients recurred, and the 3-year recurrence rate was 4.61%. Analysis of variance showed that low-income, poor hygiene condition of dining out place, and receiving invasive diagnoses or treatments were significant risk factors for H. pylori infection recurrence. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the combination of invasive diagnoses or treatments, the level of income, and the hygiene standard of dining out place were significant and independent influential factors of the recurrence of H. pylori.

The 1-year and 3-year recurrence rates of H. pylori infection after eradication therapy are 1.75% and 4.61%. Low-income, poor hygiene condition of dining out place, and a combination of invasive diagnoses or treatments are independent risk factors of H. pylori recurrence.