DOI: 10.36347/sasjm.2016.v02i03.002

Pages: Page: 49-54

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the most important human pathogens infecting more than 50% of the world’s population. It is a major cause of various upper gastrointestinal disorders and can lead to intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its correlation with complete blood count (CBC) in adult males at Taif city, KSA. A cross-sectional study was conducted on three hundred and nine adult male volunteers aging 20-25 years after their initial permission. CBC in addition to qualitative detection of IgG antibodies against H. pylori organisms was investigated. The three hundred and nine studied individuals were classified according to their hemoglobin concentration (Hb Conc.) and packed cell volume percent (PCV%) into 2 groups; group I that had normal Hb Conc. and PCV% (202 individuals “65.4 %”) and group II that had increased Hb Conc. and/or PCV% (107 individuals “34.6 %”). Among participants there were 110 (35.6%) individuals with positive H. pylori antibody with 73 (36.1%) in group I compared to 37 (34.6%) in group II, with no statistical significant difference between both groups (P=0.8). The Prevalence of H. pylori in Taif city is relatively high when compared to other cities in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Hypoxia doesn’t cause increase in H. pylori prevalence among Taif city residents with elevated Hb Conc. A confirmatory test to the positive H. pylori cases is needed. In addition, health education program and following sanitary measures are highly recommended for students and their community.