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Helicobacter pylori carriage among adult Nigerian subjects without dyspeptic symptoms


G Ahaneku
MN Nwosu
UC Okonkwo

Abstract

Background:H.Pylori bacteria has a world wide distribution. It is implicated in the aetiology of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Population screening may have significant clinical import.
Objective: To determine the frequency of H.pylori carriage and associated social demographic factors in asymptomatic patients and volunteers.
Design: Cross sectional study
Setting: NAUTH Medical out patient department and personnel department offices
Methods: Interviewer administered questionnaire. Detection of antibody to H. pylori in whole blood (using SD. Bioline test kits) using
immunochomatographic methods.
Main outcome measures: Antibody reactions in whole blood Association between sociodemographic factors and positive immunochromatographic antibody reactions.
Results: Sixty subjects were consecutively studied – 29 males and 31 females. 25% showed positive immunochromatographic reactions. Age
less than 30 years was significantly associated with positive reaction (OR 5.7, C.1.13.1, 6.7; P(or 0.57) Males were more likely to have positive reactions than the females (OR 7.13, C1. 0.3 – 7.8,P<0.05).
Concession: These results were instructive and implied wider population studies that will direct health policy formulation in our environ.

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eISSN: 1119-0388