Abstract

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI AMONG HUMAN AT ERBIL GOVERNORATE/KURDISTAN REGION / IRAQ

Dhary Alewy Almashhadany*

ABSTRACT

Aims: This work was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in human population of Erbil governorate (Iraq). Methodology and results: From 225 individuals visiting Rezgary hospital and some private medical laboratories, one blood and one stool samples were collected simultaneously and tested by two commercial kits to detect serum antibodies against H. pylori and the antigen in stool. The total prevalence of H. pylori antibody was 36.9%, while the prevalence of H. pylori stool antigen was 12.7%. The highest seroprevalence (48.3%) was detected in the age group of 31 – 40 years, whereas the high prevalence of antigen (20.0%) was in the group of 11 – 20 years. Positivity rate among rural residents was significantly higher than city residents. The highest rates of prevalence of H. pylori antibody and antigens were found in October (42.7 %) and September (17.3%), respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: the prevalence of H. pylori among human in Erbil governorate was moderate and the infection occurred at different ages of life.

Keywords: Epidemiology, H. pylori, Serological test, Erbil Governorate, Kurdistan region, Iraq.