The prevalence of helicobacter pylori among university students in iraq

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) varies according to the human population and countries. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection among students in Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq. Methods and Material: 311 students (57.8% female and 42.2% male) in four colleges (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing) at Howler Medical University were recruited in the study. The diagnosis was based on seroepidimeologic method. H. pylori antigen cassette which is a qualitative immunochromatographic assay contains monoclonal antibodies was used. Results: Among 311 students 173 (55.8%) students were infected with H. pylori. H. pylori infection was more common in final year students of each college (61.7%) comparing with other classes (46.6%). Conclusions: H. pylori are highly prevalent among university students in our region. Higher prevalence found in older students and those from low social class.