Abstract 5863: The ABID (Assessing the gut microbiota and Individual Diet) Study in the Navajo Nation

Abstract

Abstract A substantial burden of stomach cancer continues to be observed in American Indians (AI) in the Southwestern United States. The Navajo Nation, the largest tribe in the Southwest, is experiencing higher incidence of stomach cancer compared to the general population in the region, possibly due to high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and other contributing factors, like diet. To learn about factors linked to stomach cancer, we initiated a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence, virulence, and dietary correlates of H. pylori infection among Navajo adults. We hypothesized that H. pylori infections, particularly with the virulent cagA gene, would be highly prevalent in Navajo adults compared to other non-AI populations, and that diets high in salt, processed meats, and low in vegetables would be associated with prevalent H. pylori infection. Study recruitment occurred from January to October 2021 in two geographic areas of the Navajo Nation. Participants were recruited using online and offline platforms, including social media (Facebook, Instagram), study website (www.theabidstudy.com), newspapers, flyers, word of mouth, and community outreach events. Eligible, consenting study participants provided a stool sample, which was analyzed by droplet digital PCR assays for H. pylori 16S gene detection and cagA virulence gene typing. Participants also provided health and food information through two questionnaires.Preliminary data indicate that prevalence of H. pylori is high in the included regions of the Navajo Nation. The H. pylori prevalence (51.5%, 95% CI: 38.9-64.0) in this study is higher than the prevalence in the US population (35%). Moreover, the cagA virulence gene prevalence in the Navajo with H. pylori was 55.9% (95% CI: 37.9-72.8), which is comparable to the US prevalence of 50%. These early results point to a need of developing prevention strategies to reduce H. pylori infection in the Navajo Nation. Citation Format: Dornell Pete, Amanda I. Phipps, Nina R. Salama, Johanna W. Lampe, Michael C. Wu. The ABID (Assessing the gut microbiota and Individual Diet) Study in the Navajo Nation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5863.