The Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Outpatients Attending Hospitals in Johannesburg South Africa

Background: H. pylori is commonly incriminated in most cases of epigastric discomfort and stomach cancer. Aim: The study determined the prevalence of H. pylori infection among patients visiting out patient’s clinic. Methodology: Two hundred patients with age range 10-50 years attending clinics were recruited for the study and screened for H. Pylori infection. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of 4 different hospitals in Johannesburg as well as informed consent of the participants. Blood and Stool samples and breath from the Nostril were used for the investigation. Serological, Cultural and Urea Breath Test were methods used for assessment of the Blood, Stool and Expels respectively. Values obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: Seventy four (37%) patients tested positive to H. Pylori. Males had 47% positive cases while female were 53%. 66% of the black race tested positive while the white were 34%. Alcohol and Cigarette Consumers who tested positive were 29 (39%) and 26(35%) respectively. Hand washing after visiting toilet is 10(14%) and hand washing before meal is 9 (12%). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that age, sex, race and some food substances consuming may predispose to H. prlori infection.