Potential risk factors and prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among adult patients with dyspepsia symptoms in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a Gram negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach of approximately two-thirds of the human population and it is involved in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal diseases. This study sought to determine potential risk factors associated with seroprevalence of H. pylori among dyspepsia patients in Cameroon for a better management of the disease.

METHODS: The study was carried out from August to December 2014 at Laquintinie Hospital and District Hospital of Bonassama in Douala metropolis. 205 patients (127 women and 78 men; mean age, 53.79 ± 11.11 years; range, 35-75 years) were enrolled. Each subject gave a written consent. The study was approved by the local Ethical Committee of Medical Sciences. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic parameters and predisposing risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection. For each patient, body mass index (BMI) and direct inquiry about dyspeptic symptoms were done. Blood samples were tested for H. pylori antibodies, and ABO/Rhesus blood group antigen typing was performed.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 64.39%. All patients with upper abdominal pains and frequent burping were H. pylori seropositive. We found that infection takes place early in childhood and adolescence, and reaches its peak at adulthood at 35 to 44 years. Sixty-two percent of women over 68 of men were infected. 80.39% of patients with family history of gastric cancer were seropositive, while 19.60% were seronegative (p = 0.001). Prevalence of 79.09 and 47.4% was recorded respectively for subjects with low, middle and high income levels (p = 0.001). H. pylori infection rate was 60.48% in blood group O patients compared with 70.37% in other blood groups (p = 0.203). 73% of infected subjects over 59% of uninfected ones currently take NSAIDs (p = 0.0509). Overcrowded households have a higher rate of 65.32% seropositivity in contrast with a lower rate of 33.33% from norm household (p = 0.197). 69.29% of obese and overweight patients versus 58.24% of subjects with normal weight were seropositive (P = 0.215).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that low income, family history of gastric cancer, clinical symptoms of nausea/vomiting and flatulence/bloating were risk factors of H. pylori infection in this population.