Helicobacter pylori infection in Burkina Faso: an enigma within an enigma.

Background. In Burkina Faso, in contrast with high rates of Helicobacter pylori infection from an early age, the prevalence of H. pylori-associated diseases (ulcer and gastric cancer) is low. Aims. To look for the prevalence of H. pylori in healthy natives of Burkina Faso, both children and adults. Methods. We studied the prevalence of H. pylori infection in 258 healthy natives of Burkina Faso (70 children aged 6 months–15 years and 188 adults aged 16–65 years), using a serological screening (IgA and IgG H. pylori antibodies). All the studied subjects underwent a questionnaire regarding their life-style, socio-economic status, dietary habits and hygienic sanitary conditions. Data concerning…