Helicobacter pylori carriage among adult Nigerian subjects without dyspeptic symptoms

Abstract

Background :H.Pylori bacteria has a world wide distribution. It is implicated in the aetiology of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Population screening may have significant clinical import. Objective : To determine the frequency of H.pylori carriage and associated social demographic factors in asymptomatic patients and volunteers. Design : Cross sectional study Setting : NAUTH Medical out patient department and personnel department offices Methods : Interviewer administered questionnaire. Detection of antibody to H. pylori in whole blood (using SD. Bioline test kits) using immunochomatographic methods. Main outcome measures : Antibody reactions in whole blood Association between sociodemographic factors and positive immunochromatographic antibody reactions. Results: Sixty subjects were consecutively studied – 29 males and 31 females. 25% showed positive immunochromatographic reactions. Age less than 30 years was significantly associated with positive reaction (OR 5.7, C.1.13.1, 6.7; P (or 0.57) Males were more likely to have positive reactions than the females (OR 7.13, C1. 0.3 – 7.8,P Concession : These results were instructive and implied wider population studies that will direct health policy formulation in our environ.