One in three Hongkongers infected with bacteria that could lead to stomach ulcers or gastric cancer

One in every three Hongkongers is infected with a bacteria that could lead to stomach ulcers or gastric cancer, according to a new study.

Although not all those infected will develop these issues, academics said there were two high-risk groups more likely to suffer from such complications.

Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a bacteria found in the stomach and digestive tract. The bacteria, which stimulates the secretion of gastric acid, can damage the mucous coating in the gut and is the main cause of ulcers. Its presence can also lead to gastric cancer.

An estimated two million people in Hong Kong, or 30 per cent of the entire population, are infected with the bacteria, according to a study conducted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

In Asia as a whole, more than half of the population, or 55 per cent, have the infection, while the prevalence rate is highest in Africa, at up to 79 per cent. Some 4.4 billion people worldwide are infected, the study showed.

“The study is the largest, most up to date comparative study that really provides an insight of the global burden of H. pylori around the world,” said Professor Ng Siew-chien of the university’s department of medicine and therapeutics.