study of seroepidemiology of helicobacter pylori infection at salmas city, iran

helicobacter pylori infects 50–60% of the world population and is major cause of gastritis, duodenal (peptic)   and gastric ulcers, gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (malt) lymphomas. h. pylori infection has a worldwide distribution and almost a third of the world's population is infected. this study was conducted to determine the level of anti- h. pylori igg, igm in suspected patients of salmas. material and methods: a total of 461 (ages 0-70 years) referred to the reference medical laboratories of salmas city in 2013-2014 were studied. the blood samples were taken and anti-h.pylori antibody titers of  igm  and igg were determined by elisa. results: out of 461 samples, 267 cases (58%) were women and 194(42%) were male, 320 cases had both of anti-helicobacter (igm and igg), and 141cases were negative. conclusion: strategies to improve sanitary facilities, educational status, and socioeconomic status should be implemented to minimize h. pylori infection. key words: helicobacter pylori, igg and igm antibodies, elisa, salmas.