[Comparison of prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection in urban and rural areas of Qazvin [2002]]

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common worldwide human infection and may be complicated by peptic ulcer and gastric cancer or MALT lymphoma

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Objective: To evaluate prevalence of helicobater pylori in urban and rural areas of Qazvin

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Methods: Through a cross-sectional, random sampling study, 120 subjects of general population of each area were selected and the data were collected by the use of a questionnaire. Blood [3ml] was obtained from each individual and tested by ELISA for Hp IgG Antibody [sensitivity 96% and specificity 94%]

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Findings: Seroprevalence of helicobacter pylori infection in Rural areas 83.3% was higher than urban areas 75.8% but there were no significant statistical difference. Other factors [number of family members, gender, educational level, contact with domestic animals and cigar] except than increasing age were not associated with increased helicobacter pylori infection

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Conclusion: Age was the only effective factor predicting the helicobacter pylori infection rate