Possible absence of Helicobacter pylori in the early stages of duodenal ulceration.
BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori is thought to be a cause of duodenal ulceration, but there is some evidence that it is found less often in early than in later disease.


AIM
To assess the presence of H. pylori in patients undergoing endoscopy for dyspepsia, with respect to their duration of symptoms.


DESIGN
Retrospective case note review.


METHODS
Patients were categorized as having a history greater or less than 6 months, and as H. pylori-positive or -negative, using biopsy rapid urease, culture and PCR tests.


RESULTS
Thirty-two duodenal ulcer patients with a history >6 months were all H. pylori-positive according to the PCR test; the five with a shorter history were H. pylori-negative. No patient H. pylori-negative by PCR was positive by the other tests.


DISCUSSION
H. pylori was (at least) less commonly present before 6 months. It is possible that H. pylori, although nearly always present after 6 months, is not present at the onset of the disease. Confirmation of this finding would imply that infection with the organism is not the cause of duodenal ulceration, but a factor producing recurrence and chronicity.