Relationship between Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivity and soil-transmitted helminth infections among school-aged children in Fongo-Tongo (Western Cameroon): prevalence, associated factors, and IgG variation

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Helicobacter (H.) pylori exposure are highly prevalent in developing countries, where poor living conditions favor their transmission and persistence. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of STH infections and H. pylori IgG seropositivity, identify associated factors, and explore the relationship between these conditions among school-aged children in Fongo-Tongo, West Region of Cameroon. This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2024 among children aged 1–15 years from five public primary schools (EP): EP Fossong Tchuentchue, EP Chefferie Fongo-Tongo, EP Lefang, EP Lithiapang, and EP Melang, in Fongo-Tongo, West Region of Cameroon. Eggs of STH species were morphologically identified in stool samples of participants using Kato-Katz thick smear. For STH species positive slide, egg counts were performed and expressed as number of eggs per gram of stool (EPG). Serum samples were used for the detection of anti- H. pylori IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a commercial kit (ErbaLisa ® H. pylori IgG, Calbiotech Inc., USA). Sociodemographic, behavioral, and household data were collected using a structured questionnaire given to participants or their guardians. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. A total of 357 children were enrolled in the study (47.3% girls; mean age: 9.17 ± 2.51 years). The prevalence of STH infections was 32.8%, while H. pylori IgG seropositivity was 66.9%. The most common STH species was hookworm (24.9%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (10.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.3%). Overall, STH/ H. pylori co-occurrence was observed in 20.7% of children. No significant association was observed between H. pylori IgG serostatus and the prevalence of combined STH or species-specific STH infection ( p > 0.05). Similarly, median egg counts (EPG) were comparable between anti- H. pylori IgG-seropositive and seronegative children for each STH species. However, analysis according to IgG concentration revealed a significant decrease in hookworm prevalence ( p = 0.029) and median egg counts ( p = 0.048) with increasing antibody levels. Multivariate analysis identified several factors associated with STH/ H. pylori co-occurrence, including specific school catchment areas, poor hand hygiene after toilet use, and irregular footwear use ( p < 0.05). These findings indicate a high coexistence of STH infections and H. pylori IgG seropositivity among school-aged children, likely reflecting shared environmental, behavioral, and hygiene-related risk factors. Although no direct association was observed between STH infections and H. pylori IgG seropositivity overall, the findings highlight the importance of integrated prevention strategies, including hygiene education, preventive chemotherapy, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.