The source of water and High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Asymptomatic Children and Adults. How is Important.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infections occur earlier in life with high frequency in
developing countries. It has been reported that the source of drinking water as a potential
route of transmission. There is no information available regarding the prevalence of H.
pylori infection in asymptomatic children and adults, and its associated risk factors in rural
209
regions. Objectives: To establish the current prevalence of H. pylori infection among
asymptomatic Secondary- School and university students in Kasr Khiar city and its
associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: A Blood sample of (125) healthy students
of two secondary schools, and (100) healthy adult students of Faculty of Arts & Sciences,
Al- Merghib University in Kasr Khiar city, using immunochromatographic rapid method to
detect anti-H. pylori IgG, and questionnaire covering Sociodemographic variables were
completed by interview. Results: overall, seroprevalence of H. pylori was 85% in the
healthy university students, there was a gradual increase with age, and no statistical
difference between genders. However, H. pylori was 65%, 81% in the secondary school
bR\V¶ childUeQ, VecRQdaU\ VchRRl giUlV¶ childUeQ UeVSecWiYel\. The higheVW SeUceQWage Rf
positive infected H. pylori in subjects who are using private untreated well-water drinking
than those the commercial water supply. Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori
infection is high among the secondary school healthy students, as well as the university
adult students in Kasr Khiar region, which might be related to the socioeconomic status,
and living conditions, as major risk factors for H. pylori infection. Our data indicate that
the source of drinking water is an important mechanism for the transmission of H. pylori in
a rural region. However, larger studies in other regions of Libya should be conducted to
confirm the study finding, using molecular typing techniques to help trace the route of
transmission in future