Aim: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection
in various ABO blood groups of people of Kashmir.Method: The study comprised 80 individuals – 50 peptic ulcer patients (whose disease
was diagnosed by endoscopy) and 30 asymptomatic volunteers. Every subject's
blood group and Rhesus status was determined by standard serological tests. Helicobacter
pylori infection was diagnosed by three different methods viz., one minute endoscopy
room test (urease test), Gram staining and by histology. The detection of Helicobacter
pylori by histological examination using Giemsa staining was taken as the ‘gold standard’
for the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection.Results: Out of 80 individuals, 67 were males and 13 females aged between 18–65
years. The majority of peptic ulcer patients had blood group ‘O’ (n = 28.56%). The
prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection amongst peptic ulcer patients was 76%.
There was no difference in Helicobacter pylori positivity in various blood groups.Conclusion: Blood group ‘O’ though a risk factor for peptic ulcer (Duodenal ulcer)
is not a risk factor for acquiring Helicobacter pylori infection.