Helicobacter pylori in patients undergoing upper endoscopy in Jamaica

One hundred and two consecutive patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were tested for H. pylori by a rapid urease test, using antral biopsy specimens. There were 60 men (mean age 54 yrs) and 42 women (mean age 49 yrs). Fifty-six patients (55%) were positive for H. pylori. Of male patients, 36 (60%) and of female patients, 20 (48%) tested positive. Sixty-eight per cent of patients with antral gastritis, 65% with duodenal ulcer and 60% with gastric ulcer had H. pylori. Thirty-nine patients (70%) positive for H. pylori were from major urban areas, and 17 (30%) were from rural areas of Jamaica. In patients without H. pylori, 61% and 39% were from urban and rural areas, respectively. Forty-four patients (79%) with H. pylori and 40 (87%) without H. pylori had piped water in their homes. Ninety-three per cent of all patients had electricity and 88% had refrigeration. There was no difference between patients positive or negative for H. pylori with regard to the use of alcohol, marijuana or tobacco. There was also no difference between both groups in exposure to domestic animals in the home environment. H. pylori is associated with antral gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in Jamaican patients. There are no specific environmental or social factors that seem to predispose to infection.