Prevalence and Incidence

H. pylori prevalence and incidence differs by geography and race. Prevalence refers to the total number of people that have a disease at a given time, while incidence refers to new infections of a disease. In general, H. pylori prevalence is higher in developing countries and declining in the United States. Incidence of new infections in developing countries is 3 to 10 percent of the population each year compared to 0.5 percent in developed countries.(1) In developing countries the infection is generally acquired at a young age.

In the United States, H. pylori prevalence is higher in Hispanics, African Americans, and the elderly. H. pylori prevalence is 60 percent in Hispanics, 54 percent in African Americans, and 20 percent in whites.(2) Infection rates are similar for men and women. In the United States, the estimated prevalence is 20 percent for people younger than 30 years and 50 percent for those older than 60 years.

References 1. Rosenberg JJ. Helicobacter pylori. Pediatr Rev. Feb 2010;31 (2):85-6; discussion 86. [Medline].
2. Everhart JE, Kruszon-Moran D, Perez-Perez GI, Tralka TS, McQuillan G. Seroprevalence and ethnic differences in Helicobacter pylori infection among adults in the United States. J Infect Dis. 2000 Apr;181(4):1359-63. Epub 2000 Apr 13.

Learn more about H. Pylori

• Background
• Signs and Symptoms
• Transmission and Spread of Infection
• Complications and Prognosis
• Testing and Treatment
• Prevalence and Incidence
• Risk factors and Prevention

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