Rapid detection of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection among participants presenting with dyspepsia in a primary health care facility in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterium capable of colonizing the pyloric region of the stomach, and induces chronic gastric infection. It is closely related to gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer. Notably, this bacterium has achieved pandemic magnitudes, infecting over half of the global population. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among patients presenting with dyspepsia at a primary healthcare facility in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, utilizing non-invasive diagnostic procedures. Two hundred samples comprising of 100 stool and 100 blood samples were collected from voluntary participants. H. pylori infection was evaluated using non-invasive diagnostic techniques. A structured Questionnaire was employed to obtain socio demographic information. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Chi square was used to test associations between various characteristics. The results revealed that 82 (82%) were positive using Serum antibody detection. In contrast, 60 (60%) tested positive using the stool antigen test. For Serum antibody detection, specificity, sensitivity and accuracy were 33.3%, 97.6%; 86.0% respectively while stool antigen detection was 52.5%, 80.0% and 69.0% respectively. Data revealed that gender of the participants has no significant relationship with H. pylori infection. Participants aged 20-24 years had the highest prevalence of H. pylori infection. Identifiable risk factors include: past history of H. pylori infection or gastric diseases, living standards and Lifestyle as well as diet. This study showed a high seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in dyspeptic patients attending Tertiary health care facility in Ado Ekiti. Improving living standards and establishing national guidelines for eradication can possibly aid the control of this infection.