The Prevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Infection in the Adult Population of Russia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> The objective of this study is to assess the dynamics of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection prevalence among adults in Russia. <b>Methods:</b> A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, RSCI, and Google Scholar for studies published between 1985 and 27 February 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251011643). <b>Results:</b> Twenty studies were included (n = 117,841; weighted mean age: 43.71 ± 16.23 years), all using validated diagnostic methods. The pooled prevalence from 1994 to 2024 was 62.847% (95% CI: 55.101-70.274), including 45.143% (95% CI: 41.390-48.923) by the ¹³C-urea breath test and 75.806% (95% CI: 64.213-85.742) by serology. Prevalence declined over time: it was 79.334% before 2005, 74.074% in 2006-2011, and 66.319% in 2012-2017, and it has been 42.949% since 2018. Meta-regression confirmed a significant decrease (coefficient: -3.773% per year, <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> A significant decline in the prevalence of <i>H. pylori</i> has been observed, however, it remains relatively high and requires continued efforts aimed at diagnosis and eradication.