Abstract:

Objective: Helicobacter pylori is a microorganism associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. We aimed to figure out the positivity rate in stool samples of outpatients with dyspeptic complaints visiting gastroenterology department and to evaluate its relation with age, gender and seasonal changes. Methods: Between January 01, 2012 and December 31, 2012, stool samples of 330 adult outpatients admitted to gastroenterology department are investigated with an immunochromatographic test kit using monoclonal antibodies for detection of H. pylori antigen. Results: Among 330 patients\' stool samples tested, 67 (20.3%) were positive. 18.6% of men and 22.2% of women were detected as positive. According to age groups, 17.1% patients were positive for 15-35 age groups, 27.1% patients were positive for 36-55 age groups and 18.2% patients were positive for above 56. Seasonal difference of H. pylori antigen positivity in stool samples was statistically significant (p=0.001). Highest positivity rate 29.7% was detected for winter months (December-January-February). According to logistic regression analysis, winter is found as a risk factor with statistically significant 2.295 times greater risk [p=0001, Exp (B) = 2.925, 95.0% C.I. for EXP (B) = 1.668-5.129]. Conclusion: H. pylori antigen positivity rate of our study is lower than other previously conducted studies in Turkey. But, positivity rates are higher among women compared to men, concordant with other studies. Even more, detection of high positivity rates in winter shows primary infection and/or relapse can be affected by seasonal changes.

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