Burden of Helicobacter pylori Isolated from Gastric Biopsies in Al-Jambouri Hospital, Iraq

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common communicable gastrointestinal infections worldwide and is strongly associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric malignancy. The burden of infection remains high in developing countries due to poor sanitation and overcrowding. Accurate detection of H. pylori among symptomatic patients is essential for understanding disease burden and guiding effective management strategies.
Objective: The present study aimed to assess the burden of H. pylori infection among symptomatic patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using invasive detection methods.
Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Endoscopy Unit of Al-Jamhouri Hospital, Nineveh Governorate, from December  to February . A total of  gastric biopsy samples were collected from symptomatic patients of gastritis undergoing endoscopy. Biopsy specimens obtained from the antrum and body of the stomach were subjected to culture on Columbia blood urea agar, rapid urease test (RUT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the  rRNA gene of H. pylori. PCR was considered the reference method for comparison.
Results: PCR detected H. pylori in out of samples, yielding a positivity rate of . The rapid urease test was positive in  samples , while culture yielded positive results in samples . When compared with PCR, RUT showed a sensitivity of and specificity of , whereas culture demonstrated a sensitivity of  and specificity of . ROC curve analysis revealed excellent performance of RUT  and moderate performance of culture .
Conclusion: The study revealed a high burden of Helicobacter pylori infection among symptomatic patients of gastritis. PCR demonstrated the highest detection rate, while rapid urease testing provided a reliable
and practical alternative for routine clinical use in endemic settings.