Helicobacter pylori infection and associated risk factors among HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals in Northern Ethiopia.

Background: H. pylori infection is a common bacterial infection worldwide, but its prevalence varies widely between different regions and populations. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated risk factors among HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals in northern Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2020 in four randomly selected health facilities located in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. A total of 463 study participants were enrolled, of whom 288 were HIV-positive and 175 were HIV-negative individuals. H. pylori stool antigen tests were performed to detect H. pylori infection. Additionally, CD4 T cell counts were measured from only a certain number of participants.

Results: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection among enrolled study participants was 39.7 %. Notably, the H. pylori infection rate was significantly higher in HIV-positive patients (43.4 %) compared to HIV-negative individuals (33.7 %); χ = 4.27, p = 0.039. Higher H. pylori prevalence was observed in participants with higher CD4 T cell counts in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals. Khat chewing habit, education, and monthly income levels were significantly associated with H. pylori infection in HIV-negative individuals, while the association between Body mass index (BMI) and H. pylori infection was observed in HIV-positive patients, but not HIV-negative individuals.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of H. pylori infection in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative individuals, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive diagnostics, patient care, and management of H. pylori infection in HIV-positive individuals.