Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and its Association with Extragastric Diseases in a Tertiary Hospital from East Bavaria

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains a significant burden in gastroduodenal diseases. However, contemporary data on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Germany are limited. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the current seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in the East Bavarian region by analyzing antibody levels in patients presenting to a German university hospital.

Methods: Serum samples were collected from both inpatients and outpatients of a German university hospital. H. pylori antibody concentrations were measured using a commercially available assay.

Results: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 24.8% (78/314), with the highest infection rates observed in individuals aged over 60 years. A significant association was found between H. pylori infection and liver cirrhosis, with a prevalence of 36.4% (36/99) in patients with liver cirrhosis compared to 19.5% (42/215) in those without liver cirrhosis (p = 0.002). No significant associations were observed between H. pylori infection and type 2 diabetes or coronary artery disease.

Conclusion: This study highlights a low prevalence in H. pylori seropositivity in the eastern part of Bavaria. In patients with liver cirrhosis, we still see a considerable high prevelance of H. pylori. The findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance to monitor trends in H. pylori prevalence and its associations with extragastric diseases.