Stomach bacteria study goes to Yukon

Researchers who have identified a possible bacterial link to a high number of stomach cancer cases in Aklavik, N.W.T., are setting up shop in Old Crow, Yukon, to find out ifresidents there have the same infection.

Scientists from the University of Alberta and the Arctic Health Research Network are set to arrive in Old Crow later this week, as they continue work on research that found 55 per cent of Aklavik's adult population hasHelicobacter pylori in their stomachs.

H. pylori causes no serious symptoms in mostpeople, but in others the bacterium is linked to ulcers and stomach cancer.

"Most [infected] people have sort of a low level of chronic inflammation in the stomach, but they won't feel sick from it," project leader Janis Huntington of the University of Albertatold CBC News.

The Aklavik research supportedresidents' theories that a high incidence of H. pylori infection has resulted inmany local people dying from stomach cancer.

The findings got people in Old Crow,220 kilometres to the southwest over the Richardson Mountains, worried thatH. pylori may also be prevalent in their settlement.

"I think it is an issue that is of concern to the community, and as such it's something important to look at," said Judy Butler Walker, Yukon director of the Arctic Health Research Network.

Huntington said the scientists will be testing Old Crow residents for the bacterium, as well as assessing other factors such as diet and hygiene.

"I think they just want to know is H. pylori a cause for a lot of stomach problems in Old Crow? And if so, what can we do to reduce the health risks that people are facing?" she said.

The initial round of testing is expected to wrap up in February.