Helicobacter pylori, active chronic antral gastritis, and gastrointestinal symptoms in alcoholics

The frequency of Helocobacter pylori (Hp.) infection and active chronic antral gastritis among people with excessive alcohol consumption is not known. A high alcohol intake regularly causes acute gastroduodenitis. In this study, the prevalence of Hp. infection and active chronic antral gastritis in alcoholics compared with nonalcoholic controls was studied. Further, the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms was registered. Diagnostic methods for Hp. were compared. Twenty-four alcoholics admitted to the hospital for detoxification underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy regardless of symptoms. Twelve individuals admitted to upper endoscopy mainly for dyspepsia, with low alcohol consumption and without gross pathology by upper endoscopy, were chosen as controls. Three diagnostic methods for Hp. were used: culture, direct microscopy, and histology. Hp. infection was found in 7 of the 24 alcoholics (29%) according to culture. In controls, 4 of 12 (33%) had a positive Hp. culture. In the alcoholic group, culture was more sensitive than histology. There was a good correlation between the different diagnostic methods in the control group. Histologically active chronic antral gastritis was found in 6 of the alcoholics (25%) and in 5 of the controls (42%). Five of the 7 Hp.-positive alcoholics and all of the Hp.-positive controls had an active chronic antral gastritis. Hp. infection is not more frequent in alcoholics than in controls. In both groups, there was a good correlation between Hp. infection and histologically, active chronic antral gastritis.