Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Asymptomatic Vegetable Sellers in Uyo, South Nigeria

Background: Vegetables are essential part of people’s diet and are sometimes consumed raw and often without heat treatment or thorough washing, hence some studies suggested it serves as vehicle for the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms like Helicobacter pylori. The source of contamination has also been traced to sellers of vegetables who are involved in unhygienic practices which contribute to the dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore the aim of this study was to provide information on the seroprevalence of H. pylori IgG antibodies and associated risk factors among asymptomatic vegetable sellers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Blood and stool samples from 142 participants were included in the study. Blood samples were analyzed using the rapid diagnostic method while the stool samples were analyzed using Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assays (ELISA).

Results: A total of 85 (59.9%) were positive by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) while 53 (37.3%) were positive by stool ELISA test. Risk factors like age, marital status, residency family size, years in vegetable business, source of vegetable, wash before stalling etc were all statistically associated with (p<0.05) with H. pylori prevalence.

Conclusion: This study revealed that unhygienic behaviors by vegetable sellers are associated with high risk of H. pylori infection to vegetable consumers.