Research ArticleOpen Access

Are HIV-Infected Patients from Low Socioeconomic Conditions at Risk of Gastritis due to Helicobacter Pylori

**Muringani BN and *Mutsvanga T**

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000165

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- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of science and technology, Zimbabwe
*Corresponding author: Mutsvanga T, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of science and technology, Zimbabwe

Received: June 19, 2017 Published: July 03, 2017

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Abstract

Background: This study conducted in a mining town in Matebeleland South Zimbabwe evaluated the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the presence of gastritis in HIV-infected patients coming from a low socioeconomic background.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 110 patients, who came to healthy centres complaining of gastritis. H. pylori status and HIV status were serologically screened on these samples.

Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly lowers (p < 0.001) in HIV-infected (37.2% males and 30% females) than in uninfected (75.8% males and 70% females) for patients. There were no significant differences between H. pylori status and gender. Ante retroviral treatment, Viral Load and CD4 assessments were not done on this group of patients.

Conclusion: We demonstrated that the prevalence ofH. pylori was significantly lower in HIV-positive patients compared with HIV-negative ones. However, gastritis was frequently observed in the HIV-positive patients as it was their major reason for coming to the clinics.

Abbreviations: CMV: Cyto Megalo Virus; GI: Gastro Intestinal; HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus; AIDS: Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome