From the Guidelines
The prevalence of H. pylori infection in South India is approximately 60% among adults, with significant variation across different regions and populations. This estimate is based on recent systematic studies, which indicate a higher prevalence in rural areas compared to urban settings, likely due to differences in socioeconomic conditions, sanitation, and access to clean water 1. The infection rate increases with age, with most individuals acquiring the infection during childhood. Risk factors associated with higher H. pylori prevalence in South India include overcrowded living conditions, lower socioeconomic status, use of untreated water, and poor sanitation practices.
Key Points
- The prevalence of H. pylori infection in South India ranges from 31% to 84%
- Recent systematic studies indicate an average prevalence of approximately 60% among adults in South India
- The prevalence tends to be higher in rural areas compared to urban settings
- Risk factors associated with higher H. pylori prevalence in South India include overcrowded living conditions, lower socioeconomic status, use of untreated water, and poor sanitation practices
- The prevalence has important clinical implications as H. pylori infection is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, and gastric cancer in the region
Clinical Implications
Understanding these prevalence patterns helps guide appropriate testing and treatment strategies for dyspeptic patients in South Indian healthcare settings. Eradicating H. pylori can cure gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and has the potential to prevent gastric cancer 1. However, the increasing resistance to antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, has led to a decline in the success of triple therapy, highlighting the need for updated treatment guidelines 1.
From the Research
Prevalence of H. pylori in South Indian Population
- The provided studies do not specifically mention the prevalence of H. pylori in the South Indian population 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, study 5 reports a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in Asia, with rates often higher than 50%.
- Study 6 also mentions that the prevalence of H. pylori is often higher than 50% in South America and Asia, but does not provide specific data for the South Indian population.
- Study 2 notes that the prevalence of H. pylori has plateaued at a high level in developing and newly industrialized countries, which may include India.
- Study 3 reports that rates of H. pylori infection appear to be higher in developing than in developed countries, which may also be relevant to the South Indian population.
Global Prevalence of H. pylori
- Study 5 estimates the overall prevalence of H. pylori infection worldwide to be 44.3% (95% CI: 40.9-47.7) 5.
- The same study reports that the prevalence of H. pylori infection is higher in developing countries (50.8%) compared to developed countries (34.7%) 5.
- Study 6 confirms that low socioeconomic conditions in childhood are a major risk factor for H. pylori infection, which may be relevant to the South Indian population 6.