Comparative Diagnosis and Epidemiological Determinants of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Wasit, Iraq

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a leading cause of chronic gastrointestinal disorders around the globe. Herein authors aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection among symptomatic patients in Al-Kut /Iraq during the year 2022. Authors evaluate the diagnostic performance of H. pylori Stool Antigen Tests (SAT) and H. pylori Blood Antibody (Serology) tests. The 14C-Urea Breath Test (UBT) was performed as a confirmatory test. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was very high 51.92% for serology vs. 50.64% for SAT. Infection was confirmed by UBT in 51.85% of the suspected cases. There was a significant correlation between the seasonal trend and high prevalence rates, and notably a marked predilection among females (75%) compared to males (25%).