Characterization of risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection among men attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic: lack of evidence for sexual transmission

Abstract

The mechanism of transmission of Helicobacter pylori is unknown. To investigate the role of sexual behavior and demographic factors in the acquisition of H. pylori infection, we evaluated the seroprevalence of antibody to H. pylori in 370 men attending an urban sexually transmitted diseases clinic. Sera from the following three groups were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for H. pylori-specific immunoglobulin G: 78 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive homosexual men, 102 HIV-seronegative homosexual men, and 190 HIV-seronegative heterosexual men. Overall, the seroprevalence of H. pylori was 100 of 370 men (27%), with rates of 18% in HIV-seropositive homosexual men and 20% in HIV-seronegative homosexual men versus 35% in heterosexual men (P less than 0.005, chi 2 test). By ethnic group, 21 (12%) of 181 Caucasian men, 40 (41%) of 97 black men, and 37 (43%) of 87 Hispanic men were seropositive (P less than 0.001, chi 2 test). Multivariate analysis revealed that race was associated with H. pylori seropositivity independent of HIV status, sexual preference, or age. There was no relationship between H. pylori seropositivity and the number of lifetime sexual partners or previous sexually transmitted diseases. Three HIV-seropositive men with H. pylori immunoglobulin G had essentially identical antibody titers over 8 to 16 months of follow-up. In conclusion, black and Hispanic men have significantly higher H. pylori seroprevalence rates than do Caucasian men, but neither sexual behavior nor HIV infection influences the presence or persistence of H. pylori antibody. Further evaluation of the factors associated with these ethnic differences may lead to a better understanding of H. pylori acquisition and transmission.