Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori and cagA antibodies in Iceland, Estonia and Sweden.

The public health implications from H. pylori infection are considerable but the transmission routes are largely unknown. In this study, the prevalence, patient characteristics and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection were comparatively investigated in Iceland, Sweden and Estonia.

The effect of infectious burden on the prevalence of atopy and respiratory allergies in Iceland, Estonia, and Sweden.

Background: Epidemiologic reports on the effect of microbe exposure on the development of atopy and allergic asthma are inconsistent.

Objectives: The study investigates the association between serologic markers of infections and occurrence of atopy, allergic asthma, and rhinitis among adults in Iceland, Sweden, and Estonia.

Methods: Individuals (n = 1249; mean age, 42 years) from Iceland, Sweden, and Estonia underwent a structured interview and blood sampling.