Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Hyderabad, Sindh

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is the major causative agent of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer worldwide, but more common in developing countries. The prevalence studies are very important in determining disease burden and devising eradication measures based on the data on rates of infection and affected age groups. Thus, the overarching goal of the current study was to study the prevalence of H. pylori in population of Hyderabad city. Blood samples were collected and the serum was separated using gel tubes. Detection of H. pylori IgG antibody was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 2835 samples (1,525 males and 1,310 females) were enrolled for detection of H. pylori antibodies during January 2015 to December 2015. Individuals yielding anti- H. pylori IgG positive with ELISA assay, were reported as positive, while the absence of antibodies were reported as negative for H. pylori infection. The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was recorded as 24.87% (n = 705 out of 2835). Among the positive samples, males were 13.58% (n=385) and females were 11.29% (n=320). The positivity of H. pylori antibodies was found higher (23.67%) in both male and female patients whose age was between 10 and 50 years. The lowest seropositivity was recorded in the age group under 10 years (0.21%) and in the age group of 60 years and above (0.39%). In summary, the findings of present studies demonstrate a high seroprevalence of H. pylori in Hyderabad. Moreover, no gender based differences were found and the prevalence appeared lower in younger age of under 10 years.