Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is responsible for chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and is associated with an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. The seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the Australian-born adult population is about 20% and increases with age. The exact mode of transmission of Helicobacter pylori infection remains unknown and it has been suggested that sexual transmission may be important. This study is a preliminary investigation into a possible association between sexual risk factors and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Subjects and methods: All patients aged 18 and above, presenting to the Parramatta Sexual Health Clinic and were having blood taken for any other purpose, were eligible for the study. Blood samples were collected for Helicobacter pylori serology using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect Helicobacter pylori IgG. Demographic information and data regarding sexual behaviour and risk factors for sexually transmitted infections was obtained. The sample size to detect a 15% difference between the study population and the general Australian population with 90% power was 105. To allow for minor variations we plan to recruit 125 participants.

Results: To date, 65 patients (75.4% males) have been enrolled in the study and 10 (7 males and 3 females) (15.4%) were positive for Helicobacter pylori. One additional result was equivocal. 24.6% of the participants were born outside Australia and out of 8 who belonged to middle and low-income countries, three had positive serology. The full results of the study, including seroprevalence and the demographic and sexual risk factors, will be presented.