The American journal of gastroenterology
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Jan 2000
The long-term reinfection rate and the course of duodenal ulcer disease after eradication of Helicobacter pylori in a developing country.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on the natural history of duodenal ulcer disease and the reinfection rate after treatment in a developing country. ⋯ In a high prevalence setting, H. pylori eradication and early reinfection rates after treatment are similar to rates observed in a low prevalence environment, whereas the late reinfection rate seems to be higher. However, up to 3 yr after treatment, most treated patients are free of H. pylori infection and/or ulcer activity. Even longer follow-up studies are necessary to determine whether specific retreatment policies are necessary to maintain long term eradication in developing countries.