Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Adult Patients with Gastric Symptoms Attending Public Health and Diagnostic Institute, Northwest University Kano, Nigeria

Infection with Helicobacter pylori has been recognized as global problem due to its high prevalence across the world, predominantly in developing countries. The study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of H. pylori in adult patients with mean age 37.5 years (ranging from 18 – 57) presented with gastritis and other symptoms of peptic ulcer in Public health and diagnostic institute, Northwest University, Kano. A total of 419 patients (214 men and 178 women) were screened for H. pylori using rapid diagnostic test kit (Micropoint, China) according to manufacturer’s instructions. A seropevalence of 69.0% was recorded with male having the highest prevalence of 74.3% and 61.8% among female participants. Based on different age groups, 18-27 have the highest prevalence of 44.9% while 48-57 accounts for the least number of positive results (14.9%).

Conclusively, this study found a high seroprevalence of H. pylori among the study population. Therefore, advance antigen-based methods of H. pylori identification should be employed for effective diagnosis and management.