Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of the Helicobacter pylori Infection in Bukavu City in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is high in Africa. However, local surveys are still needed to be conducted for filling up the gap existing in understanding the epidemiological situation of the infection within the continent. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of H. pylori and its determinant factors in Bukavu, the capital city of Southern Kivu Province in Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted across the 3 communes of Bukavu. A two-stage cluster sampling process was performed at Health Area and Households levels by using a standard questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics and gastrointestinal symptoms of participants. Sera samples were collected from each participant for the detection of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies by an ELISA system. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess potential determinants of the anti-H. pylori positive serological status. Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS software version 21 (IBM?, USA, 2012). The survey included 331 participants aged from 10 to 86 years old. The anti-H. pylori: seroprevalence was estimated at 89% [95% CI: 84.9% - 92.2%]. Alcohol consumption increased the risk of anti-H. pylori seropositivity by 6 (OR = 5.73 [95% CI: 1.89 - 17.41]; p = 0.002), while illiteracy (OR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.18 - 0.97]; p = 0.043) and smoking (OR = 0.16 [95% CI: 0.04 - 0.65], p = 0.010) had paradoxical protective effect against anti-H. pylori seropositivity. The seroprevalence of H. pylori is very high in Bukavu. Identification of risk groups has the potential for supporting publish health issues needed for fighting against this infection. We recommend implementing appropriate sanitation and hygiene activities, health education programs, and further investigations for addressing this endemic infection locally.