Population- and Gender-Based Investigation for Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Dhamar, Yemen

Abstract

Among 35 species of genus Helicobacter, H. pylori is the most common causative agent of human gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. The infection can spread through direct human-to-human contact, fecal–oral route, and contaminated water. The study was designed to investigate the rate of prevalence of H. pylori in the population of Dhamar, Yemen. In this one-year study, 460 including 250 male and 210 female stool specimens were collected between January to December 2020 in Dhamar Governorate, Yemen. Of the total 460, 215 rural (male: n = 120 and female: n = 95) and 245 urban (male: n = 130 and female: n = 115) specimens were investigated for identification of H. pylori by serological test using Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) test. In addition, for comparing an improved recovery of H. pylori, conventional culture-based isolation was also carried out using three selective media. Modified Campy-blood Agar (MCA), Belo Horizonte Agar (BHA), and Egg yolk Emulsion (EYE) medium supplemented with antimicrobial agents including vancomycin (10 mg/L), cefsulodin (5 mg/L), trimethoprim (5 mg/L), and amphotericin B (5 mg/L) and isolates were phenotypically characterized. The HpSA test results revealed that of the total 460 specimens, 89 (19.3%) were positive for H. pylori with relatively low in male (n = 43; 17.2%) as compared to the female (n = 46; 21.9%) specimens. After 3–10 days of incubation, H. pylori was recovered at a variable rate on each selective (MCA: 16.5%; BHA: 15.0%; EYE: 13.0%) media. However, culture-based assay results showed less recovery (n = 81; 17.6%) with no significant difference among all selective media tested and between genders (male: n = 39; 15.6%; female: n = 42; 20.0%). The infection rate was comparatively higher in rural (n = 45; 20.9%) as compared to urban (n = 36; 14.7%) population. Overall, the study data showed the prevalence of infection in both genders of all age groups. The present study showed a relatively high rate of infection of H. pylori in the Dhamar population. The serological identification and culture-based methods are important for rapid detection, aid in treatment, and developing policies for the control and eradication of H. pylori infection and to prevent the disease in different age groups in Yemen.

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

“…In addition, from this study it was found that women are more at risk of H. Pylori infection than men, although this is not statistically significant. In a study conducted in Yemen, there was no gender difference between males and females in patients infected with H. Pylori (16). Gender is also not dominant towards men or women, but the frequency of occurrence is higher in men (25.8%) than women (18.9%) (17).…”

“…The host immune response to H. Pylori is very complex and can change depending on age, where during childhood the predominant pattern of inflammation (Treg), with higher concentrations of TGF-β1 and IL-10, makes the gastric mucosa of children more vulnerable. Against H. Pylori colonization (16). In adults the dominant Th1 response, with higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-12p70 in the gastric mucosa thereby inducing excessive inflammatory activity and causing a greater risk of gastric damage (18).…”

Epidemiological Study of Gastroduodenal Diseases (Helicobacter Pylori) in the Region of Tiaret, Algeria

“…A study conducted in Yemen by Almashhadany and Mayass (2018) showed that women are more exposed to H. pylori infection with a prevalence of 85.71%, compared to 76.71% in men. According to Elmanama et al (2008), there is no significant difference in the overall prevalence of H. pylori infection between men and women.…”

Public Health Significance of Human Toxoplasmosis

“…The most active measure is to prevent the acquisition of the disease by avoiding risk factors for T. gondii infection, particularly practice good hygiene. However, we can summarize the procedures (10.1 to 10.10) can significantly reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis [70][71][72][73][74][75].…”