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The burden of Helicobacter pylori infection in England and Wales

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2002

A. J. VYSE
Affiliation:
PHLS Sero-Epidemiology Unit, Immunisation Division, PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
N. J. GAY
Affiliation:
PHLS Sero-Epidemiology Unit, Immunisation Division, PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
L. M. HESKETH
Affiliation:
PHLS Sero-Epidemiology Unit, Preston Public Health Laboratory, Royal Preston Hospital, PO Box 202, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 9HG, UK
N. J. ANDREWS
Affiliation:
PHLS Statistics Unit, PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
B. MARSHALL
Affiliation:
Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY3 8NR, UK
H. I. J. THOMAS
Affiliation:
PHLS Sero-Epidemiology Unit, Preston Public Health Laboratory, Royal Preston Hospital, PO Box 202, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 9HG, UK
P. MORGAN-CAPNER
Affiliation:
PHLS Sero-Epidemiology Unit, Preston Public Health Laboratory, Royal Preston Hospital, PO Box 202, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 9HG, UK
E. MILLER
Affiliation:
PHLS Sero-Epidemiology Unit, Immunisation Division, PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT, UK
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Abstract

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The prevalence of active infection with Helicobacter pylori in the general population of England and Wales was estimated using high reactivity for specific IgG in serum ELISA as a marker. A total of 10118 anonymized residues of serum samples collected in 1986 and 1996 from persons aged 1–84 years were used. Estimated prevalence of active infection varied by region and was highest in London. Prevalence was related to decade of birth and increased from 4·3% in those born during the 1980s to 30% in those born before 1940. An estimated total of 7·5 million people living in England and Wales have an active infection and analysis by decade of birth showed no significant difference between samples collected in 1986 and 1996. These data suggest H. pylori infection is becoming less common, is acquired at an early age and is unlikely to be resolved unless suitable antimicrobial treatment is sought.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2002 Cambridge University Press