The rate of infection by Helicobacter pylori in peruvian dyspeptic patients (84%) is higher than that reported in symptomatic patients from developed countries. Helicobacter pylori infection did not increase with age. The ecological distribution is similar in the three different geographical regions of Peru. Only women of high economic status had significantly lower rates of Helicobacter pylori infection compared to all other groups. The recurrence rate after treatment is higher than that reported from developed countries.