title: High Seroprevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Inmates: A Case Control Study in a Northern Mexican City.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The epidemiology ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection in inmates has not been previously studied. Therefore, we determine the seroepidemiology ofH. pyloriinfection in inmates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Through a case-control study, inmates from a state correctional facility in Durango, Mexico and subjects without incarceration of the same city were examined for the presence of anti-H. pyloriIgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Seroprevalence association with socio-demographic, incarceration, clinical and behavioral characteristics of the inmates was also investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Antibodies toH. pyloriwere found in 140 (83.3%) of 168 inmates and in 101 (60.1%) of 168 controls. Seroprevalence of anti-H. pyloriIgG antibodies was significantly higher in inmates than in controls (OR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.93 - 5.71; P = 0.000002). The seroprevalence ofH. pyloriinfection was not influenced by gender, age, or socioeconomic status of inmates. Seropositivity toH. pyloriwas found in 3 of 3 inmates with peptic ulcer and in 1 of 2 inmates with gastritis. The seroprevalence ofH. pyloriexposure was high regardless the jail section, duration (years) in incarceration and number of incarcerations. Multivariate analysis revealed thatH. pyloriexposure was positively associated with having tattoos (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.14 - 9.70; P = 0.02), and negatively associated with drug abuse (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.11 - 0.70; P = 0.007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seroprevalence ofH. pyloriexposure in inmates is higher than those found in non-incarcerated people and other populations in the region. Results indicate that inmates may represent a new risk group forH. pyloriexposure. Results warrant for further research on the potential role of incarceration and behavioral features of inmates forH. pyloriinfection.
authors: Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Cosme
authors: C
authors: Alvarado-Esquivel
authors: Institute for Scientific Research, Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Jesus
authors: J
authors: Hernandez-Tinoco
authors: Institute for Scientific Research, Juarez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Luis Francisco
authors: LF
authors: Sanchez-Anguiano
authors: Clinica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Agar
authors: A
authors: Ramos-Nevarez
authors: Clinica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Sandra Margarita
authors: SM
authors: Cerrillo-Soto
authors: Clinica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Leandro
authors: L
authors: Saenz-Soto
keywords: Epidemiology; Helicobacter pylori; Inmates; Mexico; Seroprevalence