Study of the effect of hypoxia on the prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection among Saudi Students at Taif University

Background: H. pylori is one of the most important human pathogens, infecting more than 50% of the world’s population. While over 80% of infected individuals are asymptomatic, it can lead to intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations. Intestinal manifestations include peptic ulcer disease and some gastrointestinal malignancies. Aims of the study: We aimed in this study to determine the prevalence of H. pylori among Taif University students by measuring H. pylori antibody (in serum) and antigen (in stool) and comparing between them. Also, we aimed to estimate the hematological effects of H. pylori. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 280 male students at Taif University from different colleges. A self-administered questionnaire was filled by each student that included questions about intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations of H. pylori. Three mLs of venous blood was collected for qualitative detection of IgG antibodies against H. pylori and for complete blood count (CBC) analysis. A stool sample was taken for detection of H. pylori antigen in stools. Results: There was statistical positive association between H. pylori prevalence and larger family size, lower family income, frequent fast food eating, smoking, latency, and abnormal body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of H. pylori antibody in serum was 37.5% compared to 26.8% antigen in stool (P<0.0001). There was no statistical significance of hematological parameters between infected and non-infected groups (P˃0.05). Conclusions and recommendations: H. pylori is more prevalent in Taif City compared to western areas of KSA. Stool antigen test is more specific than serum antibody for detection of H. pylori.