The low number of subjects negative for both H. pylori and HAV antibodies in Lebanon is indicative of their high prevalence in the country. It is possible that this high prevalence reflects an age-specific prevalence rather than a true association.

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection is a worldwide problem with increasing burden on the health sector due to its increasing rate of resistance. The conventional triple therapy (TT) is becoming obsolete with a high failure rate of eradication, necessitating the need for better alternatives or regimens. AIM To investigate H. pylori eradication rate of TT vs modified bismuth quadruple therapy. METHODS Ninety-two patients with dyspepsia symptoms and positive 13 C-urea breath test were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group (control group) was treated for 14 d using standard TT protocol: Esomeprazole (40 mg twice daily), amoxicillin (1 g twice daily) and clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily). On the other hand, the second group was prescribed a 10-d course of modified bismuth quadruple therapy fortified with zinc carnosine: TT in addition to bismuth subcitrate (240 mg twice daily) and zinc carnosine (75 mg twice daily). A repeated 13 C-urea breath test was done 4 wk after the completion of the eradication therapy. RESULTS Among the 92 subjects, 67.4% were males and 32.6% were females. There were no differences in demographic characteristics (age, body mass index, smoking history, previous antibiotics use and ethnicity) between the modified bismuth quadruple therapy group and TT group. The eradication rate was higher [93.5% (43/46)] in the modified bismuth quadruple therapy group compared to 69.6% (32/46) in the standard TT group ( P = 0.003). Of the tested predictor variables, only nationality, smoking and therapy type were statistically significant. Besides dizziness, which was recorded in modified bismuth quadruple therapy group, there were no significant differences in side effects between the two groups. CONCLUSION Ten days of modified bismuth quadruple therapy fortified with zinc carnosine is superior to 14 d of conventional TT in eradicating H. pylori infection, with no additional significant adverse events.

No abstract

e355 tion is currently conducting a population-based cross-sectional study throughout the province of Tianjin to describe risk factors for the acquisition of measles and to estimate the sero-prevalence of measles antibodies. The study consists of a brief interview and collection of a dried bloodspot specimen in consenting people <50 years-old. Included in this study is a subset of mother/infant pairs. Results: Preliminary results from 16 mother/infant pairs indicate that while most (100%) mothers have adequate measles antibody levels, many of their infants aged 3-8 months do not have adequate protection (85%). Immunization for measles is recommended at age 8 months in Tianjin, funding for which is provided by the government. Antibody levels in children 8 months and older are correspondingly adequate (88%). The study is progressing rapidly, and more up to date information will be presented. Conclusion: While the waning of maternal antibodies in infants has been a well-documented concern, we found evidence that this may be occurring at a younger age than previously documented. Although our results are preliminary, this issue could have major ramifications for vaccination and control programs throughout China and perhaps globally.

No abstract