Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Cigarette and Nargileh Smoking Males in Erbil City, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Smoking is the foremost public health problem affecting the world and it has a crucial implication in causing many common diseases due to Helicobacter pylori infection which is globally distributed. Smoking is considered a critical risk factor that accelerates infection with this bacterium.Objectives: The study's goal was to find out how common Helicobacter pylori infections were among male cigarette and nargileh smokers. Materials and methods: A case-control study was performed between August and December 2021in Erbil Teaching Hospital in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Blood samples were collected and used for detection of anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG Ab for 80 males who were smokers and 80 who were non-smoker. Results: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori positivity was 64.9% in smokers and 45.5% in nonsmokers (P-Value = 0.03). The highest percentage (54.1%) was found in the young age group (25-34) years (P-Value = 0.05), and 89.2% of Helicobacter pylori-positive individuals exhibited stomach symptoms (P-Value = 0.01). Fifty percent of Helicobacter pylori-infected individuals were nargileh smokers. Conclusion:The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori showed significant value in nargileh smoking males. Therefore, smoking was a key factor in the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori and had a substantial impact on it.

Predictors of Successful First-Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication with Fluoroquinolones in Pakistan: A Prospective Exploration of Demographic and Clinical Factors

“…Smoking appeared as a significant factor negatively impacting the eradication of H. pylori . Multiple studies consistently demonstrate that smoking plays a pivotal role, showing a contributing factor to the failure of eradicating H. pylori infection, especially among males [ 14 , 23 , 24 ]. This observation aligns with the findings of recent research.…”

The Value of Serology to Diagnose Helicobacter pylori Infection

“…Due to its superior performance in comparison with other tools, 14C-UBT could be recommended as the first option for H. pylori diagnosis in Iraq [9]. We, therefore, believe that Saeed et al [1] reference to IgG serology in the research methodology didn't lead to accurate study findings.…”

“…ear Editor, we read carefully the article by Saeed et al [1] entitled "Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Cigarette and Nargileh Smoking Males in Erbil City, Iraq" which was published in volume 18, issue 2, 2022 of Al-Anbar Medical Journal. On using serology (IgG antibody test), Saeed et al [1] found that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence in smokers and nonsmokers were 64.9% and 45.5%, respectively (P = 0.03). The young age group (25-34 years old) had the highest prevalence (54.1%; P = 0.05), and 89.2% of H. pylori-infected individuals had gastric complaints (P = 0.01).…”