Preliminary Serological Study of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Some University Students

Helicobacter pylori has been associated with peptic ulcer and gastric carcinoma. This study aimed to find the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in some male students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Twenty students were enrolled in the study ( n 5 20). Informed consent was obtained from the students. About 2 ml blood was collected intravenously in Improvacuter® evacuated blood collection tubes. The blood was allowed to clot at room temperature. The serum was collected and stored at 2 20 8 C for further use. The separated serum was used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) against H. pylori for the in vitro diagnosis. A total of 11 (55.00%) students tested positive for IgG antibodies against H. pylori indicating previous infection. All the samples tested negative for IgM antibodies against H. pylori indicating no active infection. The seroprevalance of IgG antibodies against H. pylori was found to be very high in some male university students and is a cause of concern regarding their health. Obesity ( p < 0.05; Value statistically significant), stress and bad eating habits, eating out, drinking carbonated beverages, and eating spicy food were some of the factors found to be associated with IgG seropositive students. The students were counseled and were instructed to undergo a confirmatory test and get medical intervention. Further large-scale studies need to be performed to plan action against this disease causing organism and to improve the health of students. recorded. After that 2 ml of blood was collected intravenously in evacuated blood collection tube with no additives. The blood was allowed to clot at room temperature and centrifuged at 3500 RPM for 5 minutes. The serum was separated and further stored at 2 20ºC for further use. It was tested for the presence of H. pylori Ig G and Ig M antibodies using an ELISA for the in vitro diagnosis of H. pylori antibodies immediately after separation. Anti H. pylori IgG and IgM ELISA (Orgentic Diagnostika, Germany) were used for the serological detection of antibodies toward H. pylori . The serological tests were be performed as per the manu-facturer’s instruction (product insert provided as supplemental data). The data obtained were analyzed statistically.


INTRODUCTION
Peptic ulcer is one of the most common and irritating disease. H. pylori was found to be the causative agent of peptic ulcers as well as associated with gastric carcinomas [1][2][3]. H. pylori are a Gram negative, microaerophilic, helical bacteria found in the stomach with lophotrichous flagella. H. pylori was first discovered by Dr. Barry Marshall and Dr. Robin Warren in Perth, Australia. H. pylori is mainly found in the upper gastrointestinal tract. More than 80% people harboring H. pylori are asymptomatic. Their incidence is higher in developing countries as compared with that in the developed countries.
Earlier studies reported from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia showed as high as 96% seropositivity in asymptomatic children [4]. In an another study carried out in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, 85.7% patients tested positive for H. pylori [5]. Another study suggested the prevalence of H. pylori infection in 60% population in the Middle Eastern population [6]. In another study carried out in Al-Ahsa, H. pylori was present in 85.5% patients [7]. H. pylori infection was also reported in patients in urban areas [8]. Other study carried out in Jeddah region indicated a seropositivity of 78% [9]. H. pylori seroprevalance was also found in asymptomatic patients [10].
Though H. pylori are found in the gastric mucosa, they were also found to be present in the oral cavity as an extragastric reservoir [11]. H. pylori have also been associated with iron deficiency as reported earlier [12]. Hence it is very necessary to detect the presence of H. pylori infection in asymptomatic individuals.

METHOD(S)
A total of 20 male students studying in the Faculty of Science, Jazan University New Campus, were enrolled in this study (n 5 20). Informed written consent was obtained from the students. Students who did not give written consent were excluded from the study including those who gave consent. Their family and medical history was gathered and their eating habits will be E-ISSN: 2378-654X rabm.scholasticahq.com recorded. After that 2 ml of blood was collected intravenously in evacuated blood collection tube with no additives. The blood was allowed to clot at room temperature and centrifuged at 3500 RPM for 5 minutes. The serum was separated and further stored at 220ºC for further use. It was tested for the presence of H. pylori Ig G and Ig M antibodies using an ELISA for the in vitro diagnosis of H. pylori antibodies immediately after separation. Anti H. pylori IgG and IgM ELISA (Orgentic Diagnostika, Germany) were used for the serological detection of antibodies toward H. pylori. The serological tests were be performed as per the manufacturer's instruction (product insert provided as supplemental data). The data obtained were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this study, 20 male students studying in the faculty of science, Jazan University New Campus, were enrolled. ELISA was carried out on the serum samples (

CONCLUSION
Obesity, stress, not eating on time, eating outside, skipping breakfast, drinking carbonated beverages, and eating spicy foods have been found to have high probability of suffering from H. pylori infection. Socioeconomic status and pervious history of disease did not have any significant effect on infection outcomes. Controlling weight and stress, eating on time, eating at home, and having breakfast every day, stopping intake of carbonated drinks (Pepsi, Coke, Cola, etc.), and stopping the intake of spicy foods are recommended steps to decrease H. pylori infection. The prevalence of H. pylori was found to be high in university students and is a cause of concern regarding their health. The students were counseled and were instructed to get medical intervention from a healthcare center. Further large-scale studies need to be performed to plan action against this disease causing organism and to improve the health of students.