Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in healthcare workers

Authors: MALIHEH METANAT, BATOOL SHARIFI-MOOD, SHAHROKH IZADI

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major factor in inflammatory and malignant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The epidemiologic pattern of this infection varies among developed and developing countries, and is related to the general standards of living in each region. In view of the importance of this infection and its different prevalence in different regions of Iran, as well as its long-term complications, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its contributing factors in Zahedan. Materials and methods: Ninety-seven healthcare workers without digestive symptoms or a history of H. pylori eradication were randomly selected. Infection was diagnosed by measuring IgG levels using the ELISA method, which has a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 98%, respectively. Data, including age, gender, level of education, and type of water consumed, were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS (version 13). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression were used to interpret the results. Results: The total frequency of the infection was 34% with a relative frequency of 36.4% and 32.8% in men and women, respectively. No relation was observed between gender, age, family dimension, education attained, and antibody titer in linear regression analysis (P = 0.965). The level of education was statistically related to antibody titer; in the group with high school and an associates science education, 75% had negative titer and 25% had positive titer (P = 0.040). Conclusion: The presence of H. pylori infection in asymptomatic individuals and its ensuing complications necessitates health education, careful control of water sources, and strict control of infection.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, serology, Zahedan

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