Page 12 - MI-1-2

Microbes & Immunity Peptic ulcer disease among adolescent girls

20%, which increased with decreasing socioeconomic from rural areas was significantly higher than that among
status and age; children aged 10 – 15 years showed the adolescents from urban areas (60.4% vs. 39.6%, P < 0.004).
19
highest prevalence. Furthermore, the overall prevalence Gastroesophageal reflux disease, having multiple sexual
30
of H. pylori infection among adolescents in Yaoundé, partners, likelihood of contracting H. pylori, and role of gut
Cameroon, was 78%, with the infection more frequently microbiota in intrafamilial transmission of the bacterium
detected in girls (90.3%) than in boys (72.6%). were also proposed as a cause of PUD. Maternal illiteracy
31
36
Table A2 shows the prevalence of H. pylori infection among displayed a remarkably strong correlation with H. pylori
adolescents in Africa, as reported in studies published infection. In a previous study conducted in Sudan among
19
between 2013 and 2024. adolescents, no association was found between H. pylori
infection and father’s occupation. In Nigeria, consuming
14
3.4. Risk factors contributing to H. pylori infection unpasteurized milk was significantly correlated with
among adolescent girls in Africa
H. pylori infection. The detection of H. pylori stool
37
In the 21 century, although the prevalence of H. pylori has antigen among adolescents from East Africa did not show
st
declined in Western industrialized countries, it remains a significant correlation with coffee consumption. Several
34
stable the same in developing and newly industrialized vegetables, such as Ocimum gratissimum, Carica papaya,
nations, with notable consequences for global sequelae, and Allium, which are commonly consumed in the southeast
such as PUD and gastric cancer. These variations in and south-south regions of Africa, reportedly confer
10
prevalence may result from various factors, including protection against H. pylori infection. Adolescent girls
33
urbanization, sanitation, and socioeconomic status. The with PUD frequently exhibit various psychosocial traits,
10
risk of H. pylori infection in African children may increase such as neurotic personality traits, irregular eating patterns,
with aging. 32,33 The prevalence of H. pylori infection among e-cigarette use, and psychological stress. Moreover, poor
38
symptomatic patients at Dessie Referral Hospital in socioeconomic status, psychological stress, risky health
Northeast Ethiopia, as measured using a stool antigen test, behaviors, analgesic use, and physically demanding work
was 7% in individuals aged <20 years. 34 may increase the risk of ulcer development in populations
The prevalence of H. pylori infection is often high in with a low educational level. 39
developing countries and is typically linked to factors 3.5. Diagnostic evaluation of H. pylori infection
such as socioeconomic status and hygiene levels.
10
However, in many cases, transmission within families is Laboratory diagnostic and clinical evaluations are two
the primary means of spread. The prevalence of H. pylori methods utilized to determine the relationship between
10
infection was higher in large households, women, younger H. pylori infection and PUD. For patients with dyspepsia,
individuals, individuals practicing open-air defecation, the Helicobacter rapid urease test is a cost-effective method
and those drinking water from sources other than a pipe or to diagnose H. pylori infection within a reasonable amount
borehole. H. pylori infection can occur through exposure of time. This test has a 57.1% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity
35
to the bacterium through the oral–oral or fecal–oral in diagnosing H. pylori infection, along with an 80% positive
route. A previous study revealed that the fecal–oral route predictive value and a 96.7% negative predictive value. The
is the most significant means of transmission. A cross- gold standard procedures for diagnosing H. pylori infection
34
sectional study conducted among symptomatic Egyptian are histopathologic examination and culture; however,
children showed that children aged >10 years had the they are time-consuming and unsuitable for routine use.
highest infection rate at 32.9%. Factors contributing to Urease tests, including Pronto Dry and Helicotec, can
19
this increased infection rate included increased exposure identify urease from tissue biopsy samples, allowing for
40
to community and outdoor environments as well as the a rapid diagnosis of H. pylori infection. The urea breath
adoption of poor dietary habits, such as consuming food test measures the amount of tagged carbon dioxide in
from street vendors. A significant proportion of the breath samples to identify the presence of H. pylori. Stool
41
19
participants (88%) who tested positive for H. pylori lacked antigen test aids in detecting H. pylori antigens in stool
access to clean drinking water from a pipe or borehole. samples, which is helpful for post-treatment confirmation
35
In addition, 20.1% of individuals who practiced open- and preliminary diagnosis. In individuals with PUD,
41
air defecation tested positive for H. pylori. Among molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction
35
adolescents in Ethiopia, the presence of H. pylori was tests can be employed to identify H. pylori and associated
significantly linked to having a large household with more virulence factors. These techniques have high sensitivity
than three family members and three or more individuals and specificity, which helps determine the effectiveness of
sharing a bedroom. The infection rate among adolescents eradication after therapy. 42
34

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2024) 6 doi: 10.36922/mi.3078