Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Nigeria

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection remains a major health concern around the world as untreated infection can lead to gastric cancer. The burden of H. pylori infection in Nigeria is high (87.7%) with the northern part of the country having a higher prevalence compared to other regions of the country. Methods comprising invasive and non-invasive approach are widely used around the country for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. However, data on use of culture which gives the advantage of antimicrobial susceptibility testing is limited. Treatment and management of H. pylori in Nigeria is becoming difficult as the rate of resistance to antibiotics is on the rise. This review highlights key findings on the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection in Nigeria.