Language

English

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Journal

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

DOI

10.1016/j.cgh.2025.10.005

PMID

41101428

PMCID

PMC12857391

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-31-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Background & aims: Helicobacter pylori screening and eradication is a cost-effective strategy for primary gastric cancer prevention in high-risk populations outside the United States. There is a paucity of population-based H pylori seroprevalence data available in high-risk U.S. groups, particularly data for low-income, uninsured patient populations.

Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional study of a largely underserved, immigrant, and minority patient population. Inclusion criteria included asymptomatic individuals 30-65 years of age without prior H pylori testing or treatment. Consented patients completed a study survey and a blood draw to screen for H pylori using IgG serology. We calculated seroprevalence overall and within subgroups of the study population.

Results: Screening for H pylori infection was completed in 1021 individuals. Participants had a mean age of 47.5 years and were 69.9% female, and 88.7% were Hispanic individuals. Overall, 63.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.9%-66.8%) of participants were seropositive for H pylori. H pylori seroprevalence was similar across age groups but was higher among males (69.1%; 95% CI, 63.9%-74.2%) than females (61.6%; 95% CI, 58.1%-65.2%). Seroprevalence of H pylori was highest for Hispanic (65.9%; 95% CI, 62.8%-69.0%) and lowest for non-Hispanic White (45.0%; 95% CI, 23.2%-66.8%) individuals. H pylori seroprevalence was highest among individuals born in Central America (75.1%). Risk for infection was no different between second- and third-generation immigrants.

Conclusions: In this population-based study, almost two-thirds of asymptomatic patients were seropositive for H pylori. Prevalence was over 40% among all subgroups. Screening solely based on race and ethnicity may inadvertently exacerbate disparities by overlooking confounding factors for infection like low socioeconomic status and regional exposures.

Keywords

Humans, Male, Female, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Middle Aged, Helicobacter Infections, Adult, Helicobacter pylori, Cross-Sectional Studies, Aged, Antibodies, Bacterial, Safety-net Providers, Immunoglobulin G, United States, Gastric Cancer, Helicobacter pylori, Epidemiology

Published Open-Access

yes

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