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Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Article first published online: 3 SEP 2004
DOI: 10.1111/j.1083-4389.2004.00248.x
1523-5378/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=226fe9e3b1dfe988c79e2b689f913fe6c9551c2b "Helicobacter")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Perez-Perez, G. I., Rothenbacher, D. and Brenner, H. (2004), Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection. Helicobacter, 9: 1–6. doi: 10.1111/j.1083-4389.2004.00248.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 3 SEP 2004
- Article first published online: 3 SEP 2004
- Abstract
- Article
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Keywords:
- epidemiology;
- Helicobacter pylori;
- prevalence;
- risk factors;
- transmission
ABSTRACT
This review summarizes key results of epidemiologic studies published in peer-reviewed journals between April 2003 and March 2004. The prevalence of H. pylori infection continues to vary strongly between developing countries and developed countries, and according to ethnicity, place of birth and socioeconomic factors among people living in the same country. Intrafamilial spread appears to play a central role in transmission of the infection in both developing and developed countries. The role of H. pylori infection in development of noncardia gastric cancer appears to be even much stronger than previously assumed, whereas the lack of an association with cardia cancer and an inverse association with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus could be confirmed. Suggestions for an inverse association of the infection with atopic diseases have recently received further support, whereas evidence concerning the role of the infection (or its eradication) in GERD and a large variety of other extragastric diseases, including cardiovascular disease, remains inconclusive.