Prevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection among dyspepsia patients in Calabar

Helicobacter pylori is an ubiquitous organism. It is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s population is infected with the bacteria. The infection is typically acquired in infancy and has been associated with poor living conditions and low socio-economic status. Once helicobacter pylori is acquired, it commonly persists lifelong unless treated. This pathogen has been implicated as a major aetiologic agent in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease and is an established carcinogen. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection among our dyspeptic patients. This was a retrospective study conducted from April 2014 to December 2018. A total of one hundred and fifteen (115) patients who had symptoms of dyspepsia were recruited within this period of time. The presence of helicobacter pylori was determined using urea breath test. The results showed that 42.6% of the patients were positive for helicobacter pylori, while 51.3% of patients had a negative result. A borderline result was seen in 6.1% of patients. The mean age of the studied population was 45.10 years (SD= 12.55), with most patients aged between 41-60 years. This study showed no sex predilection, with an equal sex distribution of the study participants. Reports from other parts of the country also found the prevalence of helicobacter pylori to be highest in individuals between the 4th and 5th decade of life. This study concluded that the prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection is relatively high among patients with dyspepsia in South South Nigeria.Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, dyspepsia, urea breath test, South South Nigeria