ATLANTA, Oct 18, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Treatment to eradicate bacterial infections of Helicobacter pylori before weight loss surgery may be beneficial, a U.S. study has determined.

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori -- a type of bacteria associated with gastrointestinal disorders -- is high among patients about to undergo weight loss surgery, according to study leader Dr. Archana Ramaswamy of the Emory University;s School of Medicine in Atlanta.

The researchers said 20 percent to 50 percent of people living in industrialized countries are infected with H pylori, which is believed to be involved in gastroduodenal ulcer disease in addition to gastric cancer. The role of H pylori after gastric bypass surgery is unknown.

"The prevalence of H pylori infection in patients undergoing weight loss surgery is high, and a significant proportion of them have postoperative foregut symptoms," researchers said. "Consideration should be given to H pylori treatment in these patients.

The study appears in the Archives of Surgery.

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