Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Among Outpatients at Al-Khadra Hospital, Tripoli: A Cross-Sectional Study

• Abdubaki Mohamedn Assir

  Biomedical Research and Consulting Centex, Misurata University, Libya Department of Medical Radiology, College of Medical Technology, Wadi Al Shati University, Wadi Al Shati, Libya

  Author

Background: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections worldwide and is strongly associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. (Hooi JKY, et al.2017)‎. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of H. pylori among outpatients at Al-khadra Hospital in Tripoli, Libya, and to identify associated epidemiological and clinical risk factors.
Methods: Cross-sectional study (July–September 2025) of 100 adults; demographics and symptoms recorded; stool antigen tests used for diagnosis.  Results: Overall prevalence was 46% (95% CI: 36.0–56.3). Infection was significantly associated with smoking (p=0.01) and epigastric pain (p=0.03), but not with gender or age ≥40 years. Conclusion: H. pylori remain a considerable public health burden in Tripoli; findings support early diagnostic and eradication strategies.

1. Abdubaki Mohamedn Assir , Biomedical Research and Consulting Centex, Misurata University, Libya Department of Medical Radiology, College of Medical Technology, Wadi Al Shati University, Wadi Al Shati, Libya

   1Biomedical Research and Consulting Centex, Misurata University, Libya

   Department of Medical Radiology, College of Medical Technology, Wadi Al Shati University, Wadi Al Shati, Libya

Artron Laboratories. Artron One-Step HP Antigen Test: antigen-capture immunochromatographic assay for detection of H. pylori antigen in fecal samples [Internet]. ArtronLab.com; 2025 [cited 2025 Sep]. Available from: https://artronlab.com/product/artronlab-com-h-pylori-antigen-test/.

Ben Mansour N, et al. Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Tunisia. Helicobacter. 2018;23(5):e12512.

Chey WD, et al. American College of Gastroenterology guideline on H. pylori management. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112(2):212–239.

Djidjou PK, et al. Helicobacter pylori infection in Algeria: prevalence and risk factors. Afr J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019;11(2):87–95.

Ford AC, et al. Helicobacter pylori infection and clinical outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2014;348:g3174.

Gisbert JP, et al. Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Spain. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010;22(11):1359–1367.

Hooi JKY, et al. Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gastroenterology. 2017;153(2):420–429.

Hunt RH, et al. Helicobacter pylori in developing countries. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(18):5598–5609.

Khalifa MM, et al. Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori in Egypt. Arab J Gastroenterol. 2010;11(1):30–39.

Li BZ, et al. Global prevalence and trend of Helicobacter pylori infection: systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;8(6):514–525.

Malfertheiner P, et al. Management of Helicobacter pylori infection—the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report. Gut. 2017;66(1):6–30.

Megraud F, et al. Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2015;44(3):487–495.

Smith SI, et al. Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Nigeria. West Afr J Med. 2010;29(3):157–161.

Sugano K, et al. Kyoto global consensus report on Helicobacter pylori gastritis. Gut. 2015;64(9):1353–1367.

Taye B, et al. Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among dyspeptic patients in Ethiopia. BMC Infect Dis. 2014;14:708.

World Health Organization. IARC Working Group on Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer. WHO/IARC

• pdf

Copyright (c) 2025 Abdubaki Mohamedn Assir (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.