Prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection in patients with upper GI symptoms: A comparison between normal and abnormal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings

Background and objective: A staggering of more than half of the global population is affected by Helicobacter pylori infection. The infection is commonly obtained during childhood but may stay asymptomatic with long-term clinical consequences such as gastritis, peptic ulcer illness and stomach cancer. This study carried out to determine the prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori infection and related variables such as age, gender, educational level, upper GI symptoms and previous infection among patients presenting with gastroduodenal disorders in Erbil city. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 240 patients with gastroduodenal disorders from January to June 2023 were enrolled who underwent endoscopy at Rzgary Teaching Hospital and Hawler Teaching Hospital in Erbil, Iraq. Blood samples and Biopsy were taken from the patients for screening anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies by rapid immunochromatographic assay and histopathology identification, respectively. The extracted data then analyzed by GraphPad Prism with P value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed a high prevalence of H. pylori positivity was 57% in symptomatic patients and higher in those with abnormal findings, 68.8%, compared to normal, 18.2%, P <0.0001. The H. pylori infection showed association with GI abnormalities, especially duodenal ulcers, which were 75% positive; gastro-duodenitis, where the positivity was as high as 62.5%. Lower educational attainment correlated with higher infection rates, thus giving emphasis to health education. Serology provided better sensitivity but possible false positives, therefore requiring confirmation. Conclusions: It can be concluded the role of H. pylori in upper GI disease and routine testing of symptomatic patients, especially from high-prevalence areas whose symptoms cannot be otherwise explained. Public health methods focusing on hygiene, early detection and proper treatment can diminish the effects that H. pylori partake on gastrointestinal health.