Prevalence and Possible Risk Factors for Helicobacter Pylori Seropositivity among Peptic Ulcerative Individuals in Nnewi Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human gastric epithelium, causing chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Recent studies indicate that the host immune response contributes to the disease during infection with this organism.

Objectives: This work was aimed at determining the level of seropositivity of Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcerative individuals.

Method: A cross sectional study involving 179 peptic ulcerative individuals was conducted. Ethical approval was obtained and informed consent of the participants was sought. Questionnaire was administered and 5mls of blood collected into EDTA container. Subject selection was done using systematic random sampling technique. The H. pylori seropositivity was determined using ELISA technique.

Result: The prevalence rate for H. pylori was 51.4% and the predominant seropositive age group was 24-35 years (22.9%). Age (p=0.00) was found to be significant risk factors for H. pylori seropositivity. Females 50(27.9%) were more seropositive to H.pylori than males 42(23.5%) though there was no significant relationship between gender and H. pylori seropositivity (p=0.281). Moreover, there was no significant relationship between source of drinking water and H. pylori seropositivity (p=0.433). Overall, direct borehole water 16(8.9%) and sachet water users 57(31.8%) predominated in the seropositive population.

Conclusion: H. pylori constitute a hidden epidemic and many seropositive individuals with peptic ulceration are ignorant of this organism. The results show that H.pylori is high among peptic ulcerative individuals in Nnewi.