International variation in Helicobacter pylori infection and rates of oesophageal cancer.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To examine the association between gastric atrophy, Helicobacter pylori and CagA status, and ratio of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OSCCOAC) amongst international heterogeneous populations. METHODS: Standardised protocols were used to collect and process questionnaire data and serum samples for PgA and PgC levels and H. pylori and CagA serology. The OSCCOAC were used to construct appropriate models. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between the OSCCOAC and both rates of low PgAPgC ratios and serological markers of H. pylori infection, in males, but not females. A significant correlation between OSCCOAC and overall CagA-seropositivity was seen in males, but not females, but this was not independently associated with increasing OSCCOAC. CONCLUSIONS: In males, populations with higher rates of gastric atrophy or H. pylori infection have a higher OSCCOAC. CagA seropositivity rates seem to have no additional effect.