Abstract
13C-urea breath test (UBT) for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori requires a high density and active bacteria and has the potential to provide a noninvasive index of bacterial growth. We describe the gender differences in δ over baseline 13C-UBT values in 7373 patients (4531 females and 2842 males) who underwent 13C-UBT test for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. A significantly (P<.001) higher mean ± SD excess delta 13CO2 excretion was recorded in females (24.7±17.4) compared to males (17.6±11.8) aged 10–80 years. The age-adjusted difference between sexes was 7.1 (95% confidence interval, 6.4–7.9). Our analysis demonstrates quantitatively for the first time gender associated differences in H. pylori host interaction. This study suggests that infected females have a higher bacterial load and therefore may potentially infect their children at a higher degree than males.
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Shmuely, H., Yahav, J., Samra, Z. et al. Elevated 13C Urea Breath Test Values Females Infected With Helicobacter pylori . Dig Dis Sci 52, 402–404 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9590-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9590-6