Prevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter Pylori Infection among University Students in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Helicobacter Pylori is associated with several upper gastrointestinal disorders and remains an important public health concern. Information on serological evidence of exposure among university students in Maiduguri is limited. This study assessed the seroprevalence of H. pylori antibodies and examined selected demographic and behavioural characteristics among university students in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2019 among 50 students comprising 28 males and 22 females. Blood samples were collected and screened for H. pylori antibodies using a rapid serological test. Participant characteristics, including age, sex, accommodation, blood group, dietary practices and handwashing frequency, were examined. Nineteen participants tested positive, giving an overall seroprevalence of 38.0%. Seropositivity was observed in 9 of 28 males (32.1%) and 10 of 22 females (45.5%). The corresponding proportions were 7 of 22 (31.8%) among students living on campus and 12 of 28 (42.9%) among those living off campus. Differences were also observed across other participant characteristics, although the reported statistical analyses require verification. The findings indicate serological evidence of previous or current H. pylori exposure among the sampled students. Because antibody testing cannot reliably distinguish active infection from previous exposure, further studies using validated tests for active infection and larger representative samples are recommended.