Role of helicobacter pylori in the genesis of gastric ulcerations among smokers and non-smokers

ABSTRACT

H. Pylori infections were investigated by three different methods: Serologically, microbiologically and biochemically, in 210 male patients aged 20-40 years. Gastric ulcers were diagnosed in 126 patients with which H. Pylori infection showed significant high association [X2 = 162.8]. Smoking showed a positive role in magnifying such a problem. Smokers were carrying a higher rate of infection than non-smokers, among patients with gastric ulcers [99% compared to 79%]. The risk of getting H. Pylori infection was computed in different smokers categories. Heavy cigarette smokers were found to be on top of the list, followed by moderate to mild cigarette smokers and common hubble-bubble smokers while, neither private hubble-bubble nor cigar/pipe smokers showed significant risk [odds ratio = 8.2, 4.3, 4.1, 1.1 and 0.8, respectively]