Prevalencia de la infección por helicobacter pylori según ensayo de la ureasa en pacientes derivados a la Unidad de Endoscopía del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Prevalence of infection by helicobacter pylori by urease test in patients derivates to the endoscopic section of Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium that infects a significant number of individuals. In Chile about 79 percent of the population is colonized. Aims: This study evaluate the prevalence of the H. pylori infection in symptomatic outpatients. Materials and Methods: 276 non selected patients were enrolled from Endoscopic Unit of Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile. The bacterium was detected by urease test. Results: H. pylori infection was found in 44,9 percent patients. Infection was higher in younger patients, 53,8 percent between 21-60 years, and was lower in older patients, 25,6 percent in older than 60 years. The risk of being H. pylori carrier is twofold higher in persons younger than 60 years as compared to those older than 60 years. Conclusion: The age would be modifier factors for H. pylori infection risk.