Authors

College of Health Sciences/ Hawler Medical University

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a significant pathogen of the gastrointestinal tract infection connected with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric carcinoma. Its infection influences more than half of the world’s inhabitants. Objective: To reveal the prevalence rate of H. pylori infection and linked factors (age, gender, residency, blood group, sources of drinking water and type of food) among students in College of Health Sciences, Erbil, Iraq. Material and Methods: 141 students (73.75% female and 26.24% male) in Colleges of Health Sciences at Hawler Medical University were taken on. Seroepidemiologic method used for detection of H. pyloriIgG antigens using rapid immune chromatographic assay (Camp Medica Group, Bucharest, Romania). A questionnaire sheet was prepared and used for each study subject. Results: Among 141 students, 33(23.40%) were infected with H. pylori. The infection was more prevalent in female students (26%) of total female participant comparing with male students (7%) of total male participant. The higher rate of infected showed in age 20 (29.78%) and high rate of infected students showed no symptoms. Conclusions: H. pylori are highly prevalent among University students in our region. The great prevalence of H. pylori was found in the students with O blood group, elder age groups, urban area, and females.

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