%0 Journal Article
%T Seroepidemiology of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Tepehuanos Aged 15 Years and Older in Durango, Mexico
%A Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
%J Journal of Pathogens
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/243246
%X This study aimed to determine the seroepidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in Tepehuanos (an indigenous ethnic group living in rural Mexico). The prevalence of anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies was examined in 156 Tepehuanos in Durango State, Mexico, using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. In addition, sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of Tepehuanos associated with seropositivity were investigated. In total, 103 (66%) of the 156 participants (mean age years) had Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies. Fifty-four (52.4%) of the 103 seropositive individuals had Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody levels higher than 100£¿U/mL. Males and females had comparable seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and Helicobacter pylori IgG antibody levels. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in women with pregnancies than those without this obstetric characteristic. Logistic regression showed that Helicobacter pylori infection was positively associated with low education (OR£¿=£¿3.37; 95% CI:£¿1.13¨C10.00; ) and laborer occupation (OR£¿=£¿2.71; 95% CI:£¿1.14¨C6.42; ). This is the first report of seroprevalence and contributing factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in Tepehuanos and of the association of Helicobacter pylori infection with laborer occupation. Results warrants further research. 1. Introduction The spiral-shaped and flagellated bacillus Helicobacter pylori causes infections in humans worldwide [1]. Estimates indicate that H. pylori is currently infecting approximately one half of the world¡¯s population [1, 2]. Although most infections with H. pylori are asymptomatic, a severe gastric disease including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer may occur in some individuals [1¨C4]. According to the current knowledge, dissemination of H. pylori might occur from person to person [5] and by oral-oral or oral-fecal routes [6]. Infections with H, pylori might also occur by drinking contaminated water [6, 7]. The seroprevalence of H. pylori varies substantially among countries being significantly higher in developing countries than in developed countries [8]. The prevalence of infection also varies among geographical regions and ethnic groups [6]. Very little knowledge about the epidemiology of H. pylori infection in Mexico exists. There is a lack of information about H. pylori infection in Tepehuanos (an ethnic group in northern Mexico). Tepehuanos consist of indigenous people living mostly in little remote rural communities. A cross-sectional study was performed
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jpath/2013/243246/