The Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Antibody in Different Age Groups in Central Texas

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of exposure to the bacteria Helicobacter pylori in Central Texas is unknown. It has been shown that elderly individuals have a higher rate of infection than younger individuals. Exposure is even higher in the elderly living in long term care facilities. Evidence of exposure can be demonstrated by the presence of antibody to H. pylori. Plasma samples collected from several age groups are tested for the antibody to determine the exposure rate for different age groups.

DESIGN: An exemption was granted by the Texas State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) as the plasma samples had been previously collected for other types of laboratory assessments. Samples were tested with the Status H. pylori ® Immunoassay that identifies anti-H. pylori IgG antibody in plasma samples.

SETTING: The research study took place in the Texas State University Clinical Laboratory Science Department.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Blinded in-patient plasma samples were used that had been previously collected for other assays.

MAIN SOURCE MEASURE(S): The percentage of positive antibody tests is determined by age group.

RESULTS: The chi-squared (X²) results for each age group expressed a p-value of 0.000. The age group, 41-60, had the highest rate of positive antibody tests at 24%. The second highest age group was the 61 and over age group at 17%. Third highest age group was the 21-40 age group at 16% positive tests. The lowest percentage testing positive was the 0-20 age group at 6% .

CONCLUSION: There was a higher prevalence of antibody in patients older than 40 years old than in younger patients. Curiously, the oldest age group (61 years or older) did not have the highest rates of exposure. Exposure rates were much lower than rates seen in other areas.

ABBREVIATION: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid = EDTA, Statistical Package for Social Sciences® = SPSS®, Chi-Squared = X²