Determination of Helicobacter Pylori Infection Prevalence by Non-invasive Methods

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is identified as the most frequent agent of bacterial infections in humans which can cause various gastrointestinal diseases. This pathogen has infected approximately half of the world’s population, and its outbreak has varied across different regions. The purpose of this study was to estimate the H. pylori infection prevalence amongst patients in Fardis county, Alborz province, Iran, using noninvasive methods. Methods: A total of 5677 patients were analyzed from September 2020 to October 2021 to detect H. pylori by the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG, IgA, and IgM tests, stool antigen test (SAT), and urea breath test (UBT). Results: Of 5677 patients, 3486 (61.4%) were female and 2191 (38.6%) were male with the mean age of 38.82 ± 18.289 years old. The overall rate of H. pylori infection positive was 31.46%, and the serological tests were the most prescribed types of tests. The IgG test and then SAT detected the most positive cases. Further, the infection rate was significantly associated with age. Except for the case of IgM, which was higher in females compared to males, no significant difference was found between gender and bacteria outbreak. Conclusions: This study indicated a decline in H. pylori infection prevalence compared with the prior survey conducted at this center. However, its rate amongst the patients referring to Fardis laboratory is still high.