Helicobacter pylori is a major public health priority in western Balkans: An endoscopy referral center experience

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is a highly prevalent community infection. The prevalence of H. pylori infection has been reported to vary worldwide by geographical area and by social and economic conditions. Aim: To investigate possible differences regarding the prevalence of H. pylori infection and related gastritis in Greek and Albanian patients undergoing routine endoscopy. Materials and methods: Single referral endoscopy center retrospective analysis for the period of 2005-2008. For each of the first 101 consecutive Albanian patients, one age and sex matched Greek patient was included. No patient was previously treated for H. pylori. Endoscopic and pathology findings were recorded for H. pylori infection and the presence of active gastritis. Results: In total 101 Albanians and 101 Greek patients were analyzed. A significantly higher prevalence of H. pylori in Albanians compared to Greeks was observed (54% vs 34%, p = 0.005, OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.3-4.0). There were no differences in H. pylori prevalence among sex or age groups. Active gastritis was significantly more frequent in Albanians compared to Greeks (48% vs 32%, p = 0.02, OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.3-2.6). Conclusion: This is the first attempt in western Balkans to demonstrate by routine gastroscopy and biopsy that there is a significantly higher prevalence of H. pylori and active gastritis in Albanians as compared to Greeks. (C) 2010 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.