Time Trends in the Prevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Infection and Future Directions in Korea

Kim, Seung Young

doi:2016.16.3.123

Korean J Helicobacter Up Gastrointest Res > Volume 16(3); 2016 > Article

Review

The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research 2016;16(3):123-128.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7704/kjhugr.2016.16.3.123 Published online September 10, 2016.

Time Trends in the Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Future Directions in Korea

Seung Young Kim

Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. seung0md@gmail.com

국내 Helicobacter pylori 감염의 유병률 변화와 향후 과제

김승영

고려대학교 의과대학 내과학교실

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common pathogens in human and it is closely related to gastrointestinal diseases. The cross-sectional nationwide multicenter study in 2011 reported the seroprevalence of H. pylori in Korea as 54.4% and there is decreasing trend in the prevalence of H. pylori with economic growth and improved hygiene. Person-to-person transmission, especially intrafamilial transmission, is the main route of transmission of H. pylori, and H. pylori infection is acquired during early childhood. Infection is often associated with poor sanitation, low educational status, and living in rural area. For the control of H. pylori infection, systematic approach is needed including cost-effective eradication strategy with the control of transmission route and risk factors.

Key Words: Helicobacter pylori; Prevalence; Transmission