Research article

H. pylori-infection and antibody immune response in a rural Tanzanian population

Sam M Mbulaiteye¹ , Benjamin D Gold² , Ruth M Pfeiffer¹ , Glen R Brubaker³ , John Shao⁴ , Robert J Biggar¹ and Michie Hisada¹

¹  Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, USA

²  Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

³  Medical Advisor, Interchurch Medical Assistance; New Windsor, Maryland, USA; Formerly, Director, Shirati Hospital, North Mara District, Tanzania

⁴  Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania

author email corresponding author email

Infectious Agents and Cancer 2006, 1:3doi:10.1186/1750-9378-1-3

Published:	14 September 2006

Abstract

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is ubiquitous in sub-Saharan Africa, but paradoxically gastric cancer is rare.

Methods

Sera collected during a household-based survey in rural Tanzania in 1985 were tested for anti-H. pylori IgG and IgG subclass antibodies by enzyme immunoassay. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) of association of seropositivity with demographic variables were computed by logistic regression models.

Results

Of 788 participants, 513 were aged ≤17 years. H. pylori seropositivity increased from 76% at 0–4 years to 99% by ≥18 years of age. Seropositivity was associated with age (OR 11.5, 95% CI 4.2–31.4 for 10–17 vs. 0–4 years), higher birth-order (11.1; 3.6–34.1 for ≥3^rd vs. 1^st born), and having a seropositive next-older sibling (2.7; 0.9–8.3). Median values of IgG subclass were 7.2 for IgG1 and 2.0 for IgG2. The median IgG1/IgG2 ratio was 3.1 (IQR: 1.7–5.6), consistent with a Th2-dominant immune profile. Th2-dominant response was more frequent in children than adults (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–4.4).

Conclusion

H. pylori seropositivity was highly prevalent in Tanzania and the immunological response was Th2-dominant. Th2-dominant immune response, possibly caused by concurrent bacterial or parasitic infections, could explain, in part, the lower risk of H. pylori-associated gastric cancer in Africa.