Page 10 - MI-1-2

Microbes & Immunity Peptic ulcer disease among adolescent girls

are insufficient to counteract offensive factors, such as include the government’s inadequate financial support for
stomach acids and pepsins, within the mucosa. H. pylori, public hospitals, underpaid employees in the public health
1
a type of Gram-negative bacteria, resides in the stomachs sector who are more prone to corruption, and a shortage of
of many individuals. This bacterium plays a key role in financial resources. Implementing interventional health
15
the development of gastric conditions, such as gastric programs, including raising awareness and enhancing
cancer and PUD. In many cases, PUD symptoms manifest personal cleanliness, could minimize the likelihood of
3
intermittently, with the initial symptom being epigastric H. pylori infection among females at a young age, thereby
pain, followed by bloating, fullness, abdominal distension, promoting overall wellness in adolescents. A previous
14
4
early satiety syndrome, and nausea. The mortality rate of study conducted in Egypt demonstrated that children aged
complicated perioperative PUD in Africa is high and has <18 years who developed H. pylori infection were more
been increasing, with perforated PUD and mortality rates likely to experience stunted growth than those who were
showing a stronger relationship (r = 0.41, p < 0.0001) than not infected. The present review aimed to evaluate the
19
bleeding PUD and mortality rates (r = 0.32, p = 0.001). economic and social consequences of PUD in adolescent
5
In the present review, the primary goal was to prioritize girls, considering its potential ramifications for their
the well-being of specific demographic groups, particularly physical and mental health. Moreover, the possibility of
adolescent girls living in Africa. It is widely believed that stigma associated with having a chronic health condition
various sociodemographic and geographical elements was examined, as it may affect their outlook on the future.
contribute to the prevalence of H. pylori infection in
6
Africa. The prevalence of H. pylori infection is greater in 2. Methodology
Africa than in other regions worldwide, where a decline in An extensive literature search was conducted using
prevalence has been noted. In Nigeria, for example, the electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar
7
highest prevalence of 93.6% was documented. Moreover, to identify articles published between 2013 and 2024.
8
in Tunisia, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was Cross-sectional studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses,
82.7%. In addition, the prevalence of H. pylori infection literature reviews, and case reports related to the study
9
in South Africa, Rwanda, Ghana, and Uganda was 77.6%, topic were included in the analysis, whereas editorials,
77.5%, 58.72%, and 35.7%, respectively. 10-13 Furthermore, perspectives, and commentaries not relevant to this review
Morocco and Sudan had a prevalence of 63.8% and were excluded.
6
14
8.4%, respectively. Unfortunately, H. pylori infection in
African countries often goes unrecognized, despite its high 3. Results
prevalence. A previous review reported that H. pylori is 3.1. Etiology and Pathophysiology of PUD
commonly associated with several risk factors, including
low income, unclean water sources, overcrowded living The two main causes of reduced mucosal resistance to
conditions, smoking, and increased interferon-gamma injury include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
levels. This narrative review aimed to bridge the gap (NSAID) use and H. pylori infection. PUD has a complex
6
15
between PUD and H. pylori infection among adolescent etiology, with blood group O, long-term NSAID use, and
girls in Africa by examining relevant studies. Based on H. pylori infection being the most common causative
a previous study, the prevalence of H. pylori infection factors. Public health concerns on PUD are significant
1
1
increased to 20% among teenagers and reached a peak across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, as reported in a
16
of 45% in adults aged ≥45 years. A study conducted in previous study, which provided insights into the disease’s
Ziway, Ethiopia, involving school-aged children with risk factors and epidemiological patterns. Approximately
1
H. pylori infection revealed that close family relationships, two-thirds of the population in Africa is estimated to have
17
particularly in large families living together, contribute H. pylori infection, making it a major contributor to the
significantly to the spread of the infection. Extreme pathophysiology of PUD. 1
17
poverty has a profound impact on a substantial portion A well-known cause of chronic gastritis is infection
of the population, as observed in South Africa. This is caused by H. pylori, which colonizes the stomach lining
18
due to the lack of access to necessities, including clean and causes the stomach mucosa to remain inflamed over
water, adequate nutrition, effective sanitation, safe housing time, leading to the development of chronic gastritis. 20,21
conditions, vaccinations, quality education, and nurturing In addition to H. pylori infection, the other factors linked
during childhood and adolescence. 18 to the pathophysiology of PUD include stress, smoking,
22
To reduce the burden of infection in Africa, effective NSAID use, and dietary practices. The stomach’s
and cost-efficient approaches are required. The primary protective lining can be damaged by long-term NSAID
15
factors contributing to the scarcity of health-care resources use, increasing the risk of developing peptic ulcers.
22
Volume 1 Issue 2 (2024) 4 doi: 10.36922/mi.3078