Assessment of helicobacter pylori infection using stool antigen testing: a cross-sectional study at university teaching hospital of Butare (CHUB)

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterium linked to stomach cancer and peptic ulcer disease. Despite its therapeutic importance, nothing is known about its prevalence in Rwanda. Finding the baseline prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori in CHUB patients was the aim of this investigation. It also examined the distribution of infection across demographic groups to inform future research. Methods: Participants in a cross-sectional study included people who used various CHUB health services. H. pylori was detected in stool samples using a fast antigen assay. The demographic data collected included age, sex, and housing location. To find independent predictors (p < 0.05) and ascertain descriptive prevalence, logistic regression was employed. Results: Out of 1373 participants, 300 (21.8%) tested positive for Helicobacter Pylori. Females had a slightly higher overall H. pylori positive rate (22.4%) than males (21.0%). The Eastern Province had the highest regional frequency (29.2%), while the highest infection rate (30.0%) was observed in the 15–24 age group. Urban dwellers were slightly more positive (23.0%) than their rural counterparts (20.9%). There was no significant association between infection and sex, province, and residence (p > 0.05). Only the 25-44 age group had significantly higher odds of infection (OR = 2.10, p = 0.028) compared to children under 5. The model’s constant was significant (p = 0.004), reflecting a baseline risk of infection at reference levels. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate moderate prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori is in the general population attending CHUB, with slight differences by age and residency. These findings emphasize the need for a better understanding of the ongoing prevalence of sickness in public health. Recommendation: These findings highlight the significance of conducting a nationwide survey using the same test to provide a more complete picture of the current situation in Rwanda. Such data could serve as a benchmark for future investigations on test efficacy in contrast to histology, culture-based, and molecular approaches, potentially improving Helicobacter pylori diagnostic accuracy and directing treatment strategies in Rwanda