Dramatic decline in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease in an endoscopy-referral population.

Purpose: To determine if endoscopic Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease prevalence has changed over an 11-year period in a rural region.

Methods: Current endoscopic records were reviewed and compared with similar data obtained over a time period 11 years earlier at the same institution with regard to H. pylori status, endoscopic findings, microscopic pathologic findings, and medication use.