HpSA fecoprevalence in patients suspected to have Helicobacter pylori infection in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the Helicobacter pylori antigen in the stool samples of patients suspected to have H. pylori infection. It also aims to determine the fecoprevalence in different age groups and to look for the relationship between the clinical symptoms seen in patients and the existence of H. pylori. Current information in Turkey is insufficient. METHODS: The Helicobacter pylori antigen was investigated in the stool samples of 445 patients of whom 148 were in the 2-15 year age group, 96 in the 16-30 year age group, 85 in the 31-40 year age group and 116 in the 41-48 year age group. The main clinical complaints of the patients (stomach pain, heart burn, indigestion, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) were recorded. RESULTS: The Helicobacter pylori antigen was found in 36.6% (163/445) of the patients and in the statistical evaluation made for different age groups, a significant linear relationship was found between age and infection (chi2=14.77, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: It was found that stomach pain was seen at a higher rate in patients with H. pylori antigen compared to those without it. The difference was highly statistically significant (chi2=117.70, p<0.001, OR=20.36, 95% CI=10.56-39.27).