Helicobacter pylori reinfection rate 3 years after successful eradication

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is one of the most prevalent human infections and has been implicated as a predisposing factor in gastric cancer, chronic active gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and gastric lymphoma. Reinfection after successful eradication is quite uncommon in adults. In the only study carried out in Iran, a reinfection rate of 19.1% after 1 year has been reported. We studied the rate of reinfection 3 years after successful HP eradication. METHODS: All patients who had undergone HP eradication 3 years before the study and had successful eradication verified by a negative (14)C urea breath test (UBT) 1 year after eradication were invited to complete a questionnaire and undergo another UBT. In addition, spouses and the offspring of those testing positive were offered an UBT. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled (49% male). Mean age was 44 +/- 13 years (range: 18-75 years). Twenty patients (20.4%) had a positive UBT. Epigastric burning (25%vs 69%) and pyrosis (50%vs 67%) were seen less commonly in those who were HP free at 3 years compared to those who tested positive for HP. CONCLUSIONS: According to our data, in our region the HP reinfection rate is 20.4% 3 years after successful eradication.