Abstract

---

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacillus known to colonize the stomach and plays a role in the creation of multiple gastrointestinal disorders which causes considerable morbidity and impose a major burden upon healthcare particularly in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, Kaduna State Nigeria. Hundred (100) blood samples were collected from pregnant women and screened for the presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies using NOVA TEST One Step Diagnostic Rapid Test Cassette. Questionnaires were also used to determine the risk factors associated with H. pylori infection. The results obtained showed an overall prevalence of 29%. The results of prevalence by age group showed that age group greater than 38 years had the highest prevalence of 51.7%, while age group 18 – 22 had the lowest prevalence of 6.9%. Statistical analysis of the risk factors associated with H. pylori infection using chi-square showed no significant association (p-value greater than 0.05) between H. pylori infection with pregnancy stages in trimesters, gastrointestinal illness, heartburn, and source of water for drinking. However, this study showed significant association (p-value of 0.03) between Helicobacter pylori infection and hyperemesis gravidarum among the study population. Therefore, there is need to create awareness of Helicobacter pylori infection for its possible prevention and routine screening for Helicobacter pylori be implemented for all antenatal women in the hospital.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Pregnancy, pregnant women, seroprevalence