Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a single-center cross-sectional study

<p><strong>Aim</strong> Many studies have demonstrated that over half of the World's population is infected with <em>Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)</em>. To evaluate the current <em>H. pylori</em> seroprevalence in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), <em>H. pylori </em>antibodies (immunoglobulin G, IgG) from patients with suspected presence were analyzed.</p> <p><strong>Methods </strong>In total, 201/471 (42.7%) males and 270/471 (57.3%) females were enrolled between June 2024 and July 2024. They were tested using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong> The overall seroprevalence of <em>H. pylori</em> infection was 214 (out of 471; 45.4%) and did not differ in relation to sex. The seroprevalence rate of <em>H. pylori</em> was highest in the 50–69 age group, 81 (out of 137; 59.1%; 95% CI: 2.2–5.6), followed by the ≥70 age group, 17 (out of 31; 54.8%; CI: 2.0–6.7), and the 30–49 age group, 101 (out of 219; 46.1%; 95% CI: 1.7–4.3). The lowest seroprevalence rate was in the younger age group (≤29) with 15 (out of 84; 17.8%). Older age groups were more likely to be <em>H. pylori</em> positive and equivocal, while younger age groups negative for <em>H. pylori</em> infection.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion </strong>This single-center study is the first study providing information on the <em>H. pylori</em> seroprevalence in the B&H population and investigating its association with age and sex. Further research is needed to explore other risk factors and to develop effective ways to reduce the burden of this infection.</p>