Overview of Helicobacter pylori

H. pylori infection is associated with 70% of all gastric ulcers³

Studies also support associations between H. pylori and gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) are now considered primary care diseases that do not usually require referral to specialists.

In the U.S., the lifetime prevalence of PUD is 12% in men and 9% in women, with estimated annual direct ($3 billion in hospitalization costs, $2 billion in physician office visits) and indirect ($1 billion decreased productivity) costs of $6 billion.⁴

H. pylori infection follows clear demographic patterns worldwide

• Helicobacter pylori infects approximately 2/3 of the world’s population and 1/3 of the U.S. population.
• Most H. pylori bacteria are acquired in childhood, most commonly in the home, and if left untreated persist throughout life.⁵
  • It is possible that H. pylori is transmitted through vomit and stool⁶
• Infection rates and risk vary according to age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
  • Developing countries have much higher prevalence rates compared to developed countries.⁵
  • In the U.S., African-American and Hispanic subpopulations have infection rates similar to those of developing countries.⁵
  • Immigrants to the U.S. from Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa have prevalence rates similar to the African-American and Hispanic populations.⁵
• Smoking and age >55 years are independent risk factors.