[Prevalence of Helicobater pylori infection among population of Northwestern federal district of Russian Federation].

AIM: Studies of Helicobater pylori infection rate among population of North-western federal district including St. Petersburg in 2007 - 2009.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1021 individuals with various digestive tract pathologies as well as healthy individuals and blood donors were examined. 378 children and adolescents up to 19 years of age, and 643 adults 20 - 80 years of age were among the examined individuals. IgG to H. pylori complex antigen and IgG to its CagA toxin were determined in blood sera.

RESULTS: Infection rate among children and adolescents was 40.48%, CagA positive strain infection rate--34.92%. Among adults these parameters were 63.61% and 49.61%, respectively. During the 3 year study a tendency of CagA positive strain rate increase was noted among children and adolescents. Prevalence of H. pylori infection in subjectively healthy individuals, intestine oncology disease and gastric cancer patients was 55.1%, 67.16% and 83.33%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: High rate of infection and CagA positive strain prevalence among children and adolescents can be considered as a possible factor of gastritis and ulcer rate increase in these age groups.