Helicobacter pyloriin First Nations and Recent Immigrant Populations in Canada

Abstract

The diminishing prevalence ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection among most segments of the Canadian population has led to changes in the etiologies and patterns of associated upper gastrointestinal diseases, including fewer peptic ulcers and their complications. Canadian Aboriginals and recent immigrants are among populations in which the prevalence ofH pyloriinfection remains high and, therefore, the health risks imposed byH pyloriremain a significant concern. Population-based strategies forH pylorieradication in groups with a low prevalence of infection are unlikely to be cost effective, but such measures are attractive in groups in which the prevalence rates of infection remain substantial. In addition to a lower prevalence of peptic ulcers and dyspepsia, the public health value of eradication may be particularly important if this leads to a reduction in the prevalence of gastric cancer in high prevalence groups. Therefore The Canadian Helicobacter Study Group held a conference that brought together experts in the field to address these issues, the results of which are reviewed in the present article. Canadians with the highest prevalence ofH pyloriinfection are an appropriate focus for considering the health advantages of eradicating persistent infection. In Canadian communities with a high prevalence of bothH pyloriand gastric cancer, there remains an opportunity to test the hypothesis thatH pyloriinfection is a treatable risk factor for malignancy.