Helicobacter pylori recurrence and infection rate in Israeli adults

Introduction: In developing countries the recurrence rate of Helicobacter pylori after successful eradication therapy is as high as 42%, while in developed countries it is estimated to be less than 3%. Such figures are very important in terms of determining clinical strategy and outcome. Aim: To estimate the recurrence rate of H. pylori in Israel using the database of the "Central H. Pylori Laboratory of Clalit Health Services". Methods: The database was searched for patients who had undergone the [¹³C]-urea breath test ([¹³C]-UBT) for validation of the successful eradication of H. pylori or for evaluation of dyspepsia 7 years previously and for whom the result had been negative. These patients were invited to participate in the trial, fill a symptom questionnaire and undergo another [¹³C]-UBT. Results: A In total, 65 patients participated; of these, 26 patients had tested negative in the first ¹³CUBT, indicating the successful eradication of H. pylori (Group A), and 39 had been tested for dyspepsia (Group B). One patient in each group had a positive [¹³C]-UBT - 3.84% in Group A and 2.56% in Group B (non-significant difference, NS). The mean annual H. pylori recurrence rate was calculated to be 0.55% and 0.37% in Group A and Group B patients, respectively (NS). Conclusion: Our results shown a very low re-infection or new infection rates in Israeli adults and are in line with other trials in developed countries; they do not support the a retesting program for patients after a successful eradication therapy.