H. pylori Infection and Immune Response in Rural Tanzania
Author Information
Author(s): Mbulaiteye Sam M, Gold Benjamin D, Pfeiffer Ruth M, Brubaker Glen R, Shao John, Biggar Robert J, Hisada Michie
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, USA
Hypothesis
Persons living in high H. pylori-prevalence areas with low gastric-cancer incidence in Africa would have Th2-type dominant H. pylori-specific responses.
Conclusion
H. pylori seropositivity was highly prevalent in Tanzania and the immunological response was Th2-dominant.
Supporting Evidence
- H. pylori seropositivity increased from 76% at 0–4 years to 99% by ≥18 years of age.
- Seropositivity was associated with age, higher birth-order, and having a seropositive next-older sibling.
- The median IgG1/IgG2 ratio was 3.1, consistent with a Th2-dominant immune profile.
Takeaway
In Tanzania, many people have a germ called H. pylori, but it doesn't seem to make them sick with stomach cancer like it does in other places.
Methodology
Sera collected during a household-based survey were tested for anti-H. pylori IgG and IgG subclass antibodies by enzyme immunoassay.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of H. pylori infection due to reliance on serological assays.
Limitations
The study was cross-sectional, and some subjects may have been misclassified regarding H. pylori infection.
Participant Demographics
Of 788 participants, 351 (44%) were male, and 513 (65%) were aged 17 years or younger.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 4.2–31.4 for age group 10–17 vs. 0–4 years
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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