Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection among dyspepsia patients in South-East, Nigeria

Helicobacter pylori colonize more than 50% of the world population and it is considered as one of the major causes of health problem in humans. A total of 643 fresh faecal samples were collected from dyspepsia patients in 11 hospitals within the densely populated area of south-east, Nigeria. The faecal samples were cultured on H. pylori selective medium, Columbia Blood Agar Base with supplement (Oxoid) and incubated at 37°C in a microaerophilic environment for 3-7 days following the standard procedures as recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). Out of the 643 samples, 487 tested positive to H. pylori. Epidemiological factors such as overcrowding, use of untreated or faecal contaminated water, lack of basic hygiene with regards to the use of toilet, age, gender and level of education must have led to the high prevalence rate of the organism. Adequate hygiene is recommended for the control of the spread of the organism.