Serological Probing of Helicobacter Pylori Infections in Patients Seeking Care at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections remain highly prevalent globally, fueled by poor socio-economic and living conditions. It has been associated with ulcers and inflammatory and malignant disorders of the stomach. This study aimed to determine the sero-epidemiology of H. pylori infections among patients seeking care at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on one hundred and fifty participants selected conveniently at RSUTH. Participants' serum samples were tested for IgG anti-H. pylori antibodies using Linear Helicobacter pylori Ab cassette (Spain). Information on socio-demographics and risk factors was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 23, using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Mean age of participants was 40.3±17.4 years. The seroprevalence of H. pylori was 63% (93/150). Most participants drank sachet water 70(46.7%) and used water closet toilets 148(98.7%). Age was significantly associated with seropositivity with the highest prevalence among persons 41-50 years old 21(22.6%; P-Value: 0.02). The majority of the seropositive persons usually took their first meal after noon 51(54.8%) and sought treatment from patent medicine dealers 35(48.8%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is very high, which puts these infected persons at risk of associated ulcerative, inflammatory, and malignant complications. These could be further worsened by their poor feeding and health-seeking behaviour. We, therefore, encourage improved public health promotion on appropriate feeding patterns and health-seeking behaviour to prevent these distressing and severe complications.