Seroprevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Iranian Adolescents: the CASPIAN- III Study

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a common bacterial infection, with considerably high morbidity and mortality worldwide. This bacterium represents a key factor in the etiology of various chronic infections ranging from gastritis, peptic ulcer disease to gastric cancer; but the prevalence has large variations in different communities. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence H. pylori infection in a nationally representative sample of Iranian adolescents.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, serum samples of 882 Iranian adolescents, aged 10-18 years, were examined for seroprevalence of H.pylori. They were randomly selected from the samples obtained in the third survey of a national surveillance program (the CASPIAN III study). Seroprevalence of H. pylori was examined by detection of H. pylori immunoglobulinA (IgA), immunoglobulinG (IgG) and immunoglobulinM (IgM) in sera by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA).Results: The study participants had a mean age of 14.82 + 2.77 years. Overall, 51.7% of students were boys and 61.52% were urban residents.  The H. pylori IGM and IGA seropositivity had no significant association with demographic characteristics (p>0.05). The H. pylori IgG seropositivity were significantly different in boys and girls (69.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 66.7-72.7 vs. 76.3%, 95%CI= 73.5-79. 1, respectively, P=0.03).Conclusion: The seroprevalence of H. pylori IgG in Iranian adolescents is high, and girls had greater risk of H. pylori IgG seropositivity compared to boys. Preventive strategies and health education are recommended to reduce the prevalence of this infection in Iranian adolescent.