[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in duodenal ulcer. Data of a prospective study apropos of 78 NSAID-negative patients with duodenal ulcer]

The aim of our study was to evaluate, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in duodenal ulcer tunisian patients not using non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. Seventy eight patients having a non complicated duodenal ulcer and not using non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs were enrolled in this prospective study carried out between February 2000 and January 2001. Six gastric biopsies were undertaken in all patients; five for an histologic analysis and one for urease test. A serum sample was taken for a Helicobacter pylori serology. Patients were considered infected if two tests were positive. Helicobacter pylori infection was present in 77 patients (98.7%). Helicobacter pylori infection is still high among patients with a non complicated duodenal ulcer and not using non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs suggesting an empirical Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in this group of patients.