Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in endoscopy and non-endoscopy personnel: results of field survey with serology and 14C-urea breath test

Am J Gastroenterol. 1996 Feb;91(2):268-70.

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of the study were, first, to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) among endoscopy personnel and a group of non-endoscopy volunteers and, second, to evaluate the usefulness of two noninvasive tests of diagnosis: serology and the urea breath test.

Methods: The two noninvasive methods of HP diagnosis, serology and 14C-urea breath test (UBT), were used in a cross-sectional survey of endoscopists, nurse-assistants, and non-endoscopy personnel.

Results: One hundred and thirty-five volunteers were recruited for the study. In 116, results of the two tests were in agreement (kappa = 0.645). Further analysis was based on the results of the UBT. Endoscopy personnel (endoscopists and nurse-assistants) as a group had a significantly higher incidence of HP than did controls (32.9% vs. 11.3%; p = 0.004). The two groups were comparable with regard to mean age, sex, ethnic distribution, and social class.

Conclusions: HP infection is more prevalent among endoscopy personnel. Both diagnostic tests (serology and UBT) were convenient and relatively simple to perform, and results gave a high level of agreement.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / analysis
  • Breath Tests
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Endoscopy*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Helicobacter Infections / diagnosis*
  • Helicobacter Infections / epidemiology*
  • Helicobacter pylori* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Malaysia / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Medical Staff*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Assistants*
  • Urea

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Urea