Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Adults in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a highly evolved and adapted pathogen, notorious for having infected half of all the people in the world. It is linked as a causative agent for numerous benign and malignant diseases of the digestive tract, such as peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastric cancer. This study was conceived to determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in urban communities of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved a review of laboratory records of persons resident in the study area between January 2022 and December 2023. The results of the laboratory tests of Helicobacter Pylori tests and relevant socio-demographic data about the ages, genders and areas of residence were extracted, coded and anonymously analyzed. Results: The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in the study area was found to be 34.6% The prevalences for specific urban communities were Mile I (23.9%), Mile II (43.3%), Mile III (37%) and adjoining urban communities (32.1%) The seroprevalence for males was 35.9% and 33.6% for females. Among the age groups, the highest seroprevalence was observed with the 30-39 age group (38.9%). 40-49 age group (37.8%), 60-69 age group (35.3%), 18-29 age group (32.8%) and 50-59 age group (25.6%). Conclusion: The study has contributed to the body of knowledge on the seroprevalence H Pylori infections the urban communities. The findings will go a long way in assisting public health authorities in the policy design and implementation foe the prevention and control programs for malignant and benign digestive diseases associated with the bacteria.