Helicobacter pylori Recurrence and Infection Rate in Israeli Adults

Introduction In developing countries the recurrence rate of Helicobacter pylori after successful eradication therapy is as high as 42%, while in developed countries it is estimated to be less than 3%. Such figures are very important in terms of determining clinical strategy and outcome. Aim To estimate the recurrence rate of H. pylori in Israel using the database of the "Central H. Pylori Laboratory of Clalit Health Services". Methods The database was searched for patients who had undergone the [¹³C]-urea breath test ([¹³C]-UBT) for validation of the successful eradication of H. pylori or for evaluation of dyspepsia 7 years previously and for whom the result had been negative. These patients were invited to participate in the trial, fill a symptom questionnaire and undergo another [¹³C]-UBT. Results A In total, 65 patients participated; of these, 26 patients had tested negative in the first ¹³CUBT, indicating the successful eradication of H. pylori (Group A), and 39 had been tested for dyspepsia (Group B). One patient in each group had a positive [¹³C]-UBT – 3.84% in Group A and 2.56% in Group B (non-significant difference, NS). The mean annual H. pylori recurrence rate was calculated to be 0.55% and 0.37% in Group A and Group B patients, respectively (NS). Conclusion Our results shown a very low re-infection or new infection rates in Israeli adults and are in line with other trials in developed countries; they do not support the a retesting program for patients after a successful eradication therapy.