Frequency of helicobacter pylori in patients with upper G.I symptoms

Our study aimed to determine the frequency of H pylori infection in our local population. 100 sequential patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were tested for the presence of H pylori infection by the urease test. All patients were tested for the presence of H pylori regardless of endoscopic findings. Of 100 patients, 39 were male and 61 were female. Patients age ranged from 13 years to 85 years, mean age being 39.9 years. Positive endoscopic findings were detected in 32% cases. 65% cases [42 female, 23 male] tested positive for H pylori infection. Of those who tested positive, 20 patients [30.7%] had significant upper Gl pathology detected. Of patients who were negative for H pylori infection, 12 [34.28%] had significant upper Gl pathology detected. Of a total of 61 female patients undergoing endoscopy, 68.8% tested positive for infection with H pylori, whereas 58.9% of the male patients test positive. Of 100 patients, 47 were aged 40 or above of which 55.3% were H pylori positive; 53 patients were below 40 years of age and of them, 75.3% were H pylori positive. We conclude that significant proportion of Pakistani population harbours H. Pylori and due consideration should be given to H. Pylori status of a person presenting with diseases with strong link with this organism