Detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in resource limited area: a cross-sectional study

H. pylori infection has been recognized as one of the most common infections in humans affecting almost half of the world population. Detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in resource limited areas mainly based on stool antigen test and serological test. Detection of H. pylori by using culture method has been a challenge especially in resource limited area because of the requirement need in growing and isolating this organism in laboratory. There is no study which has been done in Tanzania on detecting these bacteria by using culture method. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital from September 2020 to February 2021. We consecutively enrolled patients undergoing upper endoscopy at Muhimbili National Hospital after meeting inclusion criteria. Detection of Helicobacter pylori infection was done using rapid urease test and those turned positive were taken for culture and sensitivity. Sensivity testing with the use of selected antibiotics was done using the disc diffusion method. The isolates with characteristics of gram-negative straight rods, oxidase-positive, urease-positive, and catalase-positive were identified as Helicobacter pylori. A total of 290 participants were involved in this study, 123 (42.4%) tested positive for H. pylori infection using rapid urease test. We were able to isolate H. pylori from 29 specimens by culture method from 123 (23.6%) specimens which were positive by rapid urease test. Helicobacter pylori resistance to clarithromycin, amoxicillin, metronidazole, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline was 65.5%, 86.2%, 100%, 0%, 3.5%, and 31% respectively. Helicobacter pylori infection is very common in resource limited areas. Detection of H. pylori using culture methods is very important, as it allows performance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Resistance to common antibiotics used in treating and eradicating H. pylori infection is very high. Extensive local studies using the recommended methods for antimicrobial susceptibly testing is advocated.