Helicobacter pylori in First Nations and recent immigrant populations in Canada

• Main Authors: Jones, Nicola L, Chiba, Naoki, Fallone, Carlo, Thomson, Alan, Hunt, Richard, Jacobson, Kevan, Goodman, Karen
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Pulsus Group Inc 2012
• Subjects: Review; Canada; First Nations
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3275412; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22312609

Despite the decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among most of the Canadian population, it remains high among Aboriginals and recent immigrants. Given the health risks and complications associated with H pylori infection, measures aimed at eradicating H pylori are especially useful, particularly in vulnerable groups, and even more so if they lead to a reduction in the conditions that predispose individuals to gastric cancer. Following a brief discussion on the pathogenic role of H pylori, the prevalence and epidemiology of H pylori infection, and the associated health consequences, this article reviews a conference held by the Canadian Helicobacter Study Group in October 2010, which gathered a panel of experts in several fields to address the health risks of H pylori infection in at-risk populations and the potential benefits of adopting an eradication strategy.