Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume 26, Issue 2, 2012, Pages 97-103

Helicobacter pylori in First Nations and recent immigrant populations in Canada (Review) (Open Access)

Jones N.L.* , Chiba N. , Fallone C. , Thomson A. , Hunt R. , Jacobson K. , Goodman K.
  • a Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada, Departments of Paediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • b Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada, Guelph General Hospital, Guelph, ON, Canada
  • c Division of Gastroenterology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
  • d Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
  • e Division of Gastroenterology, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Center, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
  • f Division of Gastroenterology, British Columbia's Children's Hospital and CFRI, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • g Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Abstract

The diminishing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection 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 of H pylori infection remains high and, therefore, the health risks imposed by H pylori remain a significant concern. Population-based strategies for H pylori eradication 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 of H pylori infection are an appropriate focus for considering the health advantages of eradicating persistent infection. In Canadian communities with a high prevalence of both H pylori and gastric cancer, there remains an opportunity to test the hypothesis that H pylori infection is a treatable risk factor for malignancy. ©2012 Pulsus Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Gastric cancer Helicobacter pylori Native Canadians immigrants

Index Keywords

immigrant health care policy indigenous people infection rate Peptic Ulcer risk assessment economic aspect priority journal cancer risk cancer prevention screening health care cost disease surveillance Canada Helicobacter infection Review high risk population disease control infection prevention Dyspepsia health education risk reduction stomach cancer
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84857391052&doi=10.1155%2f2012%2f174529&partnerID=40&md5=151927e369a7fc82b4a315d8596cac03
DOI: 10.1155/2012/174529
ISSN: 08357900
Cited by: 22
Original Language: English