Study of epidemiological Helicobacter pylori infection among Iraqi patients

Abstract

Background:       Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) continues to be a highly prevalent chronic infection on a global scale. Despite an apparent rise in prevalence across numerous countries globally, H.pylori continues to be a significant determinant in the etiology of peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and dyspeptic symptoms. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of H.pylori infection in Baghdad province, Iraq. Patients and methods: This prevalence study was conducted in Baghdad province from March 2019 to March 2023. 240 participants were divided into 120 males and 120 females, all participants suffered from a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. The presence of H.pylori was identified using the Urea breath test method, a standard procedure employed to diagnose H.pylori or validate the elimination of the pathogen from patients following H.pylori treatment. Results:      The research findings indicate that the prevalence of H.pylori infection differs between genders, with females having a higher incidence rate (29.2%) than males (22.5%). The study shows the level of education does not decrease the percentage of infection and the percentage of infected persons in non-literate was (11.6 % ), the secondary level was ( 14.1 % ) and in academic level person ( 22.9 % ). The study shows the age effect on the percentage of infection, in patients aged less than 20 years old the percentage was (7.9 % ), in patients between 21 – and 40 years old the percentage was ( 30.4  % ) which is considered a high percentage, and in age more than 40 years old the percentage decreased to (11.6 %). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study H.pylori infection is influenced by gender, with a greater frequency of infection seen in females. The level of education did not decrease the percentage of infection. The percentage of infection affected by age and the higher percentage the age between (21–and 40) was considered a higher age for infection.