Reinfection of Helicobacter pylori in Lithuanian peptic ulcer patients

Abstract

Introduction. There are little data about the reinfection of HP from Eastern and Central Europe, which are medium to high HP prevalence areas. Aim. To evaluate the frequency of HP reinfection in peptic ulcer patients during 9 years after HP eradication. Patients&methods. We invited 117 peptic ulcer patients in whom eradication of HP was confirmed 1 year after the eradication treatment. HP was tested by a rapid urease test and histology if endoscopy was performed. If endoscopy was refused the HP was tested by C14-urea breath test and serology. HP-positivity was established, if at least one of the tests was positive. Results. 57 patients were available for the study procedures. The follow-up duration was 8.9±1.0 years (6 to 12). Mean age – 52.3±13.0 years. Endoscopy performed in 43 (75.4%) patients. HP has been established in 15 patients. In 2 HP-negative patients HP had been established during the follow-up period and eradicated. Therefore, we consider that reinfection occurred in 17 patients. [...].