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Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Korea: A multicenter, nationwide study conducted in 2015 and 2016
Author(s) -
Lee Jeong Hoon,
Choi Kee Don,
Jung HwoonYong,
Baik Gwang Ho,
Park Jong Kyu,
Kim Sung Soo,
Kim ByungWook,
Hong Su Jin,
Lim Hyun,
Shin Cheol Min,
Lee Si Hyung,
Jeon Seong Woo,
Kim Ji Hyun,
Choi Cheol Woong,
Jung HyeKyung,
Kim JieHyun,
Choi Suck Chei,
Cho Jin Woong,
Lee Wan Sik,
Na SooYoung,
Sung Jae Kyu,
Song Kyung Ho,
Chung JunWon,
Yun SungCheol
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
helicobacter
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1523-5378
pISSN - 1083-4389
DOI - 10.1111/hel.12463
Subject(s) - seroprevalence , helicobacter pylori , serology , medicine , asymptomatic , population , demography , helicobacter , socioeconomic status , environmental health , immunology , antibody , sociology
Abstract Background The Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research has studied Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence since 1998 and found a dynamic change in its prevalence in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the recent H. pylori prevalence rate and compare it with that of previous studies according to socioeconomic variables. Methods We planned to enroll 4920 asymptomatic Korean adults from 21 centers according to the population distribution of seven geographic areas (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungcheong, Kyungsang, Cholla, and Jeju). We centrally collected serum and tested H. pylori serum IgG using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Results We analyzed 4917 samples (4917/4920 = 99.9%) from January 2015 to December 2016. After excluding equivocal serologic results, the H. pylori seropositivity rate was 51.0% (2414/4734). We verified a decrease in H. pylori seroprevalence compared with previous studies performed in 1998, 2005, and 2011 ( P < .0001). The H. pylori seroprevalence rate differed by area: Cholla (59.5%), Chungcheong (59.2%), Kyungsang (55.1%), Jeju (54.4%), Gangwon (49.1%), Seoul (47.4%), and Gyeonggi (44.6%). The rate was higher in those older than 40 years (38.1% in those aged 30‐39 years and 57.7% in those aged 40‐49 years) and was lower in city residents than in noncity residents at all ages. Conclusions Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in Korea is decreasing and may vary according to population characteristics. This trend should be considered to inform H. pylori ‐related policies.