TITLE:
Sero-Prevalence of H. pylori Antibodies among Asymptomatic Rural Population in Bauchi State, Nigeria—A Preliminary Study
AUTHORS:
Mohammed Alkali, Kenneth O. Okon, Yusuf B. Jibrin, Sabo Umar, Abdulrazak Toyin, Godiya I. Darie, Farouk Buba, Sulayman T. Balogun, Binta Lasan
KEYWORDS:
Seroprevalence, H. pylori, Antibodies, Asymptomatic, Rural Population, Bauchi
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.10 No.11,
November
17,
2020
ABSTRACT: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major public health problem globally, with high prevalence in
developing countries associated with poor sanitation, low standard of living,
urban-rural disparity and increased gastrointestinal pathologies. This
preliminary study determined the
seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among
asymptomatic rural population and association of sociodemographic variables on
the result outcome. A total of 250 asymptomatic volunteered participants were screened
for H. pylori antibodies, using rapid immunochromatographic
strips. 44.8% (112/250)
were seropositive, and showed increased prevalence with the age group, years (8.0%), 18 - 39 years (23.5%) and 40 - 65 years (12.0%) with no significant
difference. High prevalence among males, 88 (35.2)
compared to 24 (9.6)
females (p 0.228). Significant
association was observed with marital status, high prevalence among married
participants 63 (25.0)
followed by singles, 41 (16.4) (p 0.010).
Similarly, significant prevalence was observed among participants with non-formal
education, 60 (24.0) followed by primary
education, 21 (8.4) (p 0.51). While non-salary earners
accounted for 79 (31.6) (p 0.244).
The H. pylori seropositivity of 44.8% is
relatively low in region with previous reports of high prevalence and
predisposing risk factors. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of
environmental and occupational risk factors for better epidemiological
understanding of H. pylori infection
and a template for intervention measures.