Helicobacter pylori is the most common infection in the world, and the most main causes of dyspepsia are related to H. pylori infection. In that respect, several non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection were utilized. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated variables among dyspeptic patients in Mukalla city, Hadhramout-Yemen during a period from February to September 2018. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 suspected dyspeptic patients. Data regarding to associated variables were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the samples of feces and serum were collected and screened for H. pylori by rapid diagnostic immunochromatographic assays for antigen and antibody. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 20 and a P value <0.05 was taken statistically significant. Prevalence of H. pylori was found to be 15 and 18.5% using the antigen H. pylori test and serum anti-H. pylori test respectively. Prevalence using antigen H. pylori test was significantly associated to male sex (P=0.035). In those patients withH. pylori, a positive result with antigen test was significantly associated to drinking non-filtered water (COR = 3.67; 95%CI=1.436-9.363; P=0.007), symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation (COR=0.865, 95%CI=0.034-0.536, P=0.004) and antibiotics used (COR=0.312, 95%CI=0.125-0.780, P=0.013). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was frequent among the dyspeptic patients in the study area. H. pylori infection was related to non-filtered water source, symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation and antibiotics used are contributing factors. Moreover, further studies are needed to investigate other potential associated variables for H. pylori infection.

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is most common worldwide, and the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection varies greatly among societies and geographical locations. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among dyspepsia patients in Al-Mukalla city– Hadhramout/Yemen. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 suspected patients with dyspeptic disorders where the anti- H. pylori antibodies was detected using the H. pylori antibody test cassette rapid immune chromatographic assay. Also, a structured questionnaire was completed for each patient to collect socio-demographic data, personal hygienic status and some clinical signs. Results: The prevalence of serological positivity for H. pylori infection was 37% with a statistically significant value (P=0.000). A high prevalence of H. pylori infection was detected among male more than females. The age group 5–18 years followed by age groups 33–46 years and 47–60 years showed the highest prevalence of H. pylori infection. There was no significant association between H. pylori infection with social, demographic, behavioral, and health variables (P>0.05). Clinical signs of heartburn and regurgitation were found to be significant associated with H. pylori infection (P=0.014). Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori infection was found to be associated with dyspepsia. Heartburn and regurgitation have been found as clinical symptoms associated with H. pylori infection. Peer Review History: Received 18 July 2020; Revised 15 August; Accepted 29 August, Available online 15 September 2020 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Name: Prof. Dr. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy Affiliation: Sana'a University, Yemen E-mail: shmahe@yemen.net.ye   Name: Dr. Tanveer Ahmed Khan Affiliation: Hajvery University, Lahore, Pakistan E-mail: tanveerahmedkhan754@gmail.com   Comments of reviewer(s): Similar Articles: PREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI AMONG ASYMPTOMATIC POPULATIONS IN SANA'A, YEMEN