The Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Patients with Reflux Esophagitis – Our Experience

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The role of Helicobacter pylori in esophageal disease has not been clearly defined. To clarify this issue, we analyzed 120 patients with histologically confirmed esophageal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 120 patients who underwent upper endoscopy examination were included; among them 70 patients with clinically, endoscopically and histologically confirmed GERD, and 50 patients with BE. This investigation was performed in the Clinic of Gastrohepatology in Prishtina, during the period: June 2009–December 2011. Each patient was investigated for H. pylori infection, by performing biopsy for HUT test. RESULTS: In BE group, H. pylori infection was present in 16.0% of patients. In GERD group, H. pylori infection was present in 42.9%, and in patients of the control group, in 52.0% of cases. So, in BE group, the prevalence of H. pylori infection showed less significant difference, compared to the control group (P = 0.003) and in GERD group (P = 0.0035). Between GERD group and the control group there was no significant difference (GERD vs. G control. P = 0.421). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with BE (16%) was lower in comparison with patients with GERD (42.9%) and with control group (p <0.01). The prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with BE, especially those with LSBE (9.1%) was very low, which indicates a possible protective role of this microorganism.