Background: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
and its virulent strain (cytotoxin-associated gene A: CagA) has not
been evaluated in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
subgroups (erosive and non-erosive) in Iran. AIMS: This study was
conducted to evaluate H. pylori infection and anti-CagA status in GERD.
Setting and Design: One hundred fifty-four patients (71 male and 83
female; mean age, 42.6± 15.5 years) were evaluated for symptoms -
heartburn and acid regurgitation - compatible with GERD. Materials and
Methods: The esophagus was diagnosed endoscopically whether it was
with erosion (erosive reflux disease, ERD) or without erosion
(non-erosive reflux disease, NERD). Rates of anti-H. pylori and
anti-CagA-IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies were determined for each
subject by ELISA. H. pylori was considered by ELISA if the rapid urease
test proved positive. Statistical Analysis: anti-H. pylori and
anti-CagA statuses were compared in ERD and NERD patients with and
without related IgG antibodies. Mean values and P values were
calculated using SPSS (version 12). Results: The overall prevalence of
H. pylori infection was 75.3% (116/154). Anti-CagA antibody was found
in 60.3% (70/116) of infected patients. The prevalence of H. pylori
infection in patients with NERD and ERD was 81.2% (56/69) and 70.6%
(60/85), respectively (OR= 0.56; 95% CI [confidence interval]=
0.26-1.20; P= .14). The prevalence of anti-CagA antibody in infected
NERD and ERD patients was 58.9% (33/56) and 61.7% (37/60), respectively
(OR= 1.16; 95% CI= 0.49-1.70; P= 0.83). Conclusion: The results showed
that more than 70% of the patients, either NERD or ERD, acquire H.
pylori infection. Anti-CagA antibody is also common in patients with
reflux disorders in our community