Iranian Journal of Medical Microbiology

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori infection is currently endemic worldwide health problem. The infection causes variety of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma. It is clear that smoking is important to the development of disorders like intestinal disease. This study determines the relationship between H.pylori density and smoking.

Materials and Methods: The study was performed in 247 patients (20-80 years) both sexes, with dyspepsia symptoms referred to Hajar hospital. Demographic data were recorded, such as age and smoking history. Patients were checked by 16 SrRNA and glmM genes polymerase chain reaction for H. pylori. Density of H.pylori graded according to the number of H.pylori bacteria counted in light microscopy by (x1000 magnified).also patient had to have smoked for more than 1 year.

Results: We observed 67.61% of patients (167 of 247) were positive for H. pylori, and 32.39% were negative (80 of 247). In patients with dyspepsia, 36.4% in 20-40 age range, 42.1% in 41-61 and 21.5% in 62-80. Of total patients, 57.1% were smokers and in this number, 78.01% were H. pylori positive. Also study showed, in smokers and 3th age range, sever density of H.pylori was more than nonsmokers and other ranges. A significant difference (P<0.05) was observed when we compared density of bacteria by age and smoker with nonsmoker groups.

Conclusions: H.pylori sever density can be related by cigarette smoking and age.