[Comparison of the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori stomach infection in Peruvian and Japanese population].

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in native Peruvians and Japaneses residing in Peru.

METHODS

Prospective study carried out at "Policlinico Peruano-Japonés" (Lima-Perú). We included Peruvians and Japaneses residing in Peru with chronic symptoms of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Both groups were from medium to high socioeconomic status. We excluded patients with peptic ulcer. PCR, rapid ureasa test and IgG ELISA were used to diagnose the infection.

RESULTS

We evaluated 168 Japaneses (mean age 54.6 +/- 12.62 years, 75% female), and 161 Peruvians (mean age of 42.12 +/- 14.48 years, 61.5% female). Using the rapid ureasa test, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Peruvians was 47.8%, and in Japaneses 47.0% (p=0.88). Using PCR, in Peruvians was 49.7% and in Japaneses 43.5% (p=0.28).

CONCLUSION

Peruvians and Japaneses residing in Peru have a similar prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, after controlling factors such as socioeconomic status and age, suggesting that in Peru and in these ethnic groups, there is no racial predisposition to acquire the infection.