Changing patterns of the prevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> among patients at a corporate hospital in Ghana

Abstract

SUMMARY Introduction:Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) discovered in 1982, has strongly been associated with multiple clinical disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This study described the prevalence of H. pylori among large numbers of patients over two different time periods in Accra, Ghana. Methods: It was a retrospective records review on patients attending a quasi-government hospital in Accra, Ghana, during two time periods, 1999 and 2012. A total of 2401 records were reviewed, 1128 in first period and 1273 in second period. Biopsy was taken from the gastric antrum for Rapid Urease Test (RUT) in identifying H. Pylori. Data on patient characteristics, clinical diagnosis and findings upon endoscopy were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics. Associations between categorical outcome variables were determined by Chi square test at 95% significance level. Results: H. pylori infection was high in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms 69.7% (1999) and 45.2% (2012), and was even higher in patients with gastritis and duodenal ulcer. H. pylori infection however, decreased among patients over the period, 69.7% in 1999 to 45.2% in 2012. Sex differences in H. pylori infection was identified (higher among males) and young adults (21-40 years). Commonest symptom in all patients was non-ulcer dyspepsia, 86.9% in 1999 and 84.2% in 2012, while gastritis and duodenal ulcer were the commonest endoscopic finding in the two periods. Conclusion: Appropriate management guidelines in West Africa considering the high background H. pylori infection and other co-infections requiring particular antibiotic combination therapy is required.

Prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and MLST typing of Helicobacter pylori in Algiers, Algeria

“…This reduction can be explained by the improvement in hygiene conditions which minimizes transmission, better therapeutic management of the patients, and the unintentional eradication of the bacteria by the increased use of antibiotics for the treatment of other infections. Similar decreases in the prevalence of H. pylori infection have been observed in several developing countries: In Ghana, it decreased from 69.7% in 1999 to 45.2% in 2012 . A Brazilian study reported a 5.2% decrease in prevalence between 2004 and 2014 .…”

Helicobacter pylori among symptomatic Egyptian children: prevalence, risk factors, and effect on growth

“…Educational level has been known as an important determinant of H. pylori prevalence in both developed and developing countries [28]. In the current study, illiteracy of mothers was significantly associated with positive H. pylori infection; this could be explained by the assumption that the mothers' educational status reflects on the healthy habits and hygienic behavior acquired by their children.…”

Comparison of endoscopic based diagnosis with Helicobacter urease test for Helicobacter pylori infection

“…Previous studies in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital reported an incidence of 75 % [3, 4]. However, a recent publication also reports an H. pylori prevalence of 69.7 % (1999) and 45.2 % (2012) in Accra [12]. This suggests a change in H. pylori prevalence with time.…”

“…In addition the vast majority of our study subjects were from urban areas where the standard of living is higher. However, the frequent use of antibiotics may also contribute to the relatively low prevalence being reported recently [12]. Also the recent use of PPI’s may contribute to the low prevalence.…”