Helicobacter pylori infection in healthy people: a dynamic process?. Issue 4 (April 1991)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meyer, B; Werth, B; Beglinger, C; Dill, S; Drewe, J; Vischer, W A; Eggers, R H; Bauer, F E; Stalder, G A
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 32:Issue 4(1991)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 350
• Publication Date: 1991-04
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.32.4.347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Epidemiological studies using serological tests have shown that a large proportion of healthy people have antibodies against Helicobacter pylori (anti-Hp). It is uncertain whether the presence of anti-Hp indicates active infection or only past exposure to the micro-organism. In this study we determined anti-Hp with a specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 100 healthy volunteers who were at the same time investigated for active H pylori infection by means of the 13C-urea breath test. Forty nine per cent had a high anti-Hp titre, but only 24% had active H pylori infection. Our study suggests that a considerable number of healthy people previously infected with H pylori have spontaneously eliminated this microorganism. We suggest that the inability of ulcer patients to eliminate H pylori may be important in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease.