ABSTRACT
Background: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is different in various regions of Myanmar, and the results of studies are contradictory regarding incidence of H. pylori infection. The infection rate of H. pylori among the monks could reflect the prevalence of the particular region studied. Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine the Helicobacter pylori status among asymptomatic Buddhist monks in Myanmar, and to observe the efficacy of clarithromycin based first line therapy by using C14 Urea Breath Test (PY test). Method: The Buddhist monks 17 years of age and above from the monasteries of both middle and lower Myanmar were selected by purposive sampling method. After filling out the questionnaire,H.pylori infection was detected by 14C-UBT (PY test, microCOUNTLite Liquid Scintillation Counter). H.pylori positive subjects were treated with 10 days' course of clarithromycin containing standard triple therapy as a first line.14C-UBT test was repeated at week 4 to check for H.pylori eradication status. Results: A total of 399 monks (from Bago and Mandalay city) were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 23.51+/ 8.907 years (range: 18 - 97). Urea breath test was positive in 65.4% of the monks. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was radically similar in different monasteries of different cities: Bago and Mandalay (67.52% ν 63.18%, p = 0.33). Among H. pylori infected monks, 67.7% achieved eradication with clarithromycin containing standard triple therapy. Conclusion: High H. pylori infection rates were found in asymptomatic Buddhist Myanmar monks and the standard triple therapy had moderate efficacy.