Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common worldwide. Although the seropositivity of H. pylori rates has been unclear in the Turkish population. In this study, anti-H. pylori IgG seroprevalence and anti-cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) IgG positivity were evaluated. The sera of 880 people without gastrointestinal symptoms (384 males, 496 females) were tested for anti-H. pylori IgG and anti-CagA IgG antibodies by enzyme linked immunoassay method. Anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies were positive in 263 sera (41%) and their rates increased with age. The seroprevalence of anti-H. pylori IgG was higher in females (43.8%) than in males (38%). Of the anti-H. pylori IgG positive sera, 194 (53%) were also positive for anti-CagA IgG. The anti-CagA IgG positivity did not significantly differ with age. However, the lowest rate (46.6%) was determined among individuals 20-29 years of age and the highest rate (62.5%) among individuals over 60 years age. Anti-CagA IgG positivity rates were higher in males (87.5%) than in females (37.5%).
