Risk Factors Associated with Helicobacter pylori Infection in Gaza, Palestine

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is usually acquired in early childhood. H. pylori infection is associated with several upper gastrointestinal disorders. Local data on the epidemiology of the infection are scarce in Palestine. The purpose of this study is to measure the rate and to explore the associated factors among the population living in Gaza strip. Method: This study included eighty nine randomly selected participants from non-hospitalized patients. Age, sex, socioeconomic status and other potential risk factors were assessed using a structured interview. Ultra Rapid Urease Test was performed on biopsy specimens followed by histology examined with Methylene blue stain, HpSAg test to detect antigen in stool specimen and Hp IgM antibody was measured in blood using ELISA technique. Results: The study subjects comprised of 89 participants. Age ranged between 13-77 years, with mean age 37.03, (37.1%) were females and (62.9%) were males. The rate of H. pylori infection was (48.3%). There were variations between the different tests. URUT was easily performed, reliable and non-expensive test; HpSAg test was non invasive, simple and could be used for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, histology by using methylene blue stain and serology by detection IgM antibody in blood. In crude analysis, the rate was associated with type of drinking water during childhood with P value =0.018. H. pylori infection showed no significant correlation with age, sex, weight, marital status, smoking, education level, coffee drinking, oral hygiene, socioeconomic status including number of persons living in the accommodation, number of persons in each room, income, type of accommodation, contact with animals, travelling abroad, consumption of drugs and antibiotics. Tea drinking proved to be a protective factor against H. pylori infection. Conclusion: The results of this work supported the hypothesis that H. pylori acquisition occurs early in childhood and persist through out life. In addition, H. pylori infection appears to be multifactorial. Tea proved to have a protective effect against H. pylori infection.