The Antibody Response to Helicobacter pylori in the Sera from a Rural Population in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common worldwide. Although the seropositivity of H. pylori rates has been unclear in the Turkish population. In this study, anti-H. pylori IgG seroprevalence and anti-cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) IgG positivity were evaluated. The sera of 880 people without gastrointestinal symptoms (384 males, 496 females) were tested for anti-H. pylori IgG and anti-CagA IgG antibodies by enzyme linked immunoassay method. Anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies were positive in 263 sera (41%) and their rates increased with age. The seroprevalence of anti-H. pylori IgG was higher in females (43.8%) than in males (38%). Of the anti-H. pylori IgG positive sera, 194 (53%) were also positive for anti-CagA IgG. The anti-CagA IgG positivity did not significantly differ with age. However, the lowest rate (46.6%) was determined among individuals 2029 years of age and the highest rate (62.5%) among individuals over 60 years age. Anti-CagA IgG positivity rates were higher in males (87.5%) than in females (37.5%).