Reduction in Helicobacter pylori infection among patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Santiago, Chile, between 2010-2020

: Latin America presents a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection. Between1996-2003, the prevalence in Santiago, Chile, was 70%; recent studies indicate a decreasein this infection. Updating the frequency of Hp is crucial due to its associated health impact.

Objective: Our objective was to describe the trend in Hp infection in patients undergoingambulatory esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in a Chilean population.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients over 18 years old who attended a first EGD with a rapid urease test between 2010-2020. Time trendswere described through time series analysis. A Poisson model was constructed to estimatethe risk of infection, adjusted for age and gender.

Results: 11,355 patients were included[66.9% females; mean age 52 years; Hp 41.6%]. Male gender presented a higher frequencyof Hp infection [RR 1.13; (95% CI: 1.08-1.18)].Hp frequency infection decreased significantlyfrom 45.1% in 2010 to 29% in 2020, with a 36% lower probability of Hp infection in 2020 compared to 2010 [RR 0.64;(95% CI: 0.55-0.74)]. A progressive decline in Hp infectiontrend was projected, reaching values close to 25% by year 2025.

Conclusions: A significantreduction in Hpinfection was observed between 2010-2020. This decrease could be explained by the implementation of public health policies in the last decade associated with socio-sanitary changes.