Helicobacter pylori infection and gastropathy:A comparison between Indonesian and Japanese patients

AIM:To compare the effects of Helicobacter pylori(H pylori) infection on gastropathy between Indonesian and Japanese patients.METHODS:Biopsy specimens were obtained during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from 167 subjects(125 Indonesians and 42 Japanese) with uninvestigated symptoms of dyspepsia.The specimens were analyzed for the presence of H pylori using urease analysis,histopathology,and cell culture.The grade and activity of gastritis was assessed using the updated Sydney system.RESULTS:The percentages of Indonesian and Japanese patients who were H pylori-positive at the antrum or body of the stomach were similar(68% and 59.5%,respectively;P=0.316).Of those who were H pylori-positive,more Japanese patients than Indonesian patients had high levels of polymorphonuclear cells(P=0.001),mononuclear cells(P=0.013),glandular atrophy(P=0.000),and intestinal metaplasia(P=0.011) in both the antrum and body of the stomach.CONCLUSION:The grade of gastritis and prevalence of mucosal atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were higher in Japanese patients.The difference between Indonesian and Japanese patients was signifi cant.