The prevalence and characteristics of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis in dyspeptic patients in Eastern Croatia, determined by immunohistochemistry

Background and purpose: Helicobacter pylori ( Hp), which is associated with many upper gastrointestinal diseases, is found in about half of world's population. Aim od this study is to reveal the prevalence and characteristics of Hp-associated gastritis in dyspeptic patients in the population of Croatia. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis the data and materials of 871 dyspeptic patients undergoing routine endoscopy. The gastric biopsy specimens were stained by Hp-specific immmunohistocemical stain. Endoscopic and pathology findings were recorded for Hp infection and the presence of active gastritis. Nominal variables in the case of a large number of samples were compared using Pearson x(2) test, while in the case of a small number of samples was used Fisher's Exact test. Results: In the present study determined prevalence of Hp-associated gastritis in the population of Croatia is 41%. Chronic active gastritis was found in 94% of patients with Hp infection and 5% of patients with gastritis of some other etiology. Gastric mucosal atrophy was observed in 5% of patients older than 40 years. Intestinal metaplasia was detected in 26% of patients. Severe intestinal metaplasia occurs in the age group older than 60 years. Conclusion: This study is the first large study of Hp prevalence by histological and immunohistochemical methods in Croatia, so the results of this study contribute to the understanding of how big a public health problem is Hp infection in a population of Croatia.