Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Egypt: An over estimation or an iceberg?

Document Type : Short Communications

Author

Al-Azhar University

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a prevalent infection that annoy both infected individuals and treating physicians. It can be detected in most of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms in areas of high prevalence. To manage H. pylori appropriately, we need to know its actual prevalence, accuracy of diagnostic strategies, efficacy of treatments available and patterns of resistance to used antibiotics. In Egypt, the actual prevalence is not know due to lack of properly designed epidemiological studies abou H. pylori. Due to this marked variability in reported prevalence and the heterogeneity of the studied population; it is of great importance to have a well-designed epidemiological study to accurately estimate the average prevalence of H. pylori in Egypt. This study should consider both symptomatic and asymptomatic population, different geographic regions, gender, and age groups. Based on the results of such well-designed prevalence study the actual prevalence could be estimated and further actions like disease burden, required diagnostics, complication rates, treatment costs, screening and prevention could be initiated on a solid base.

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