[Relationship between CagA-bearing strains of Helicobacter pylori and gastrointestinal pathology]

To study the prevalence of CagA-positive strains of Helicobacter pylori in Novosibirsk residents and to assess their relation to some clinical parameters.Random sample of the population (218 males and 220 females aged 25-64 years) was examined. Antibodies against Helicobacter pylori and CagA protein were tested in the sera using enzyme immunoassay. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated with questionnaire.The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 88%, among H. pylori-positive persons CagA-positivity was revealed in 58%. Presence of antibodies to CagA protein was associated with dyspepsia (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.5) and history of peptic ulcer (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.0-14.5). CagA-positive subjects more frequently reported bowel disturbances, diarrhea, in particular (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-7.4).The data showed similar distribution of H. pylori and CagA-positivity among adult population in Russia and Eastern European countries. CagA-positivity is associated with peptic ulcer and dyspepsia.