Helicobacter pyloriis not associated with anaemia in Latin America: results from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association betweenHelicobacter pyloriinfection and anaemia.DesignSix cross-sectional studies.H. pyloriinfection was assessed by the [13C]urea breath test using MS or IR analysis. Hb was measured for all countries. Ferritin and transferrin receptors were measured for Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, and Venezuela.SettingHealth services in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico or public schools in Bolivia, Cuba and Venezuela.SubjectsIn Argentina, 307 children aged 4–17 years referred to a gastroenterology unit; in Bolivia, 424 randomly selected schoolchildren aged 5–8 years; in Brazil, 1007 adults (157 men, 850 women) aged 18–45 years attending thirty-one primary health-care units; in Cuba, 996 randomly selected schoolchildren aged 6–14 years; in Mexico, seventy-one pregnant women in their first trimester attending public health clinics; in Venezuela, 418 children aged 4–13 years attending public schools.ResultsThe lowest prevalence ofH. pylorifound was among children in Argentina (25·1 %) and the highest in Bolivia (74·0 %). In Bolivia, Cuba and Venezuela children showed similar prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection as in Brazilian and Mexican adults (range 47·5 % to 81·8 %). Overall anaemia prevalence was 11·3 % in Argentina, 15·4 % in Bolivia, 20·6 % in Brazil, 10·5 % in Cuba and 8·9 % in Venezuela. Adjusted analyses allowing for confounding variables showed no association betweenH. pyloricolonization and anaemia in any study. Hb, ferritin and transferrin receptor levels were also not associated withH. pyloriinfection in any country.ConclusionsThe present study showed no evidence to support the hypothesis thatH. pyloricontributes to anaemia in children, adolescents, adults or pregnant women in six Latin American countries.