[Infection by Helicobacter pylori in Val Bormida]. / Infezione da Helicobacter pylori in Val Bormida.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection among patients living in Val Bormida admitted to our ward during the year 1994 on account of ailments referable to the upper digestive section is studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 318 patients (188 men and 130 women) aging between 16 and 84 years (average 52 years) have been included in this study. All the patients underwent an EGDS with execution of two biopsies on the antral mucous membrane with following histological examination and search for HP with Giemsa coloration. RESULTS: During EGDS the presence of duodenal ulcer in 43 cases and of gastric ulcer in 22 cases (in 3 patients duodenal and gastric ulcer were combined) was observed. In 20 cases erosion of antral or duodenal mucosa were discovered. In 51 cases no alteration was found. In the remaining cases hyperemia of antral and duodenal mucosa without any macroscopic lesion was noticed. The histological examination showed the presence of superficial chronic gastritis in 133 and of active chronic gastritis in 189 patients, combined with intestinal metaplasia in 81 cases. The HP was discovered in 139 cases (43.7% of the sample); 81% of these patients were over 50 years of age. In this group there were 32 duodenal ulcers and 14 gastric ulcers; in the 68% of the cases the histological examination showed an active chronic gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusion is drawn that HP infection is widespread in our community and is frequently related to active chronic gastritis and to peptic ulcers.