Seroprevalence Of Antibodies To Helicobacter Pylori Using A Rapid Test Kit

ABTRACT

Helicobacter pylon have been shown to be associated with duodenal ulceration and gastric cancer. It has also been claimed to be responsible in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis in human and peptic ulcer disease (Peterson 1991; Cover and blaster 1992). Its infection has been associated with the development of gastric non Hodgkin's disorder gastric mucosa lymphoid tissues (MALT) lymphomas (Maltose; Eidt et al 1994; Weatherspoon et a! 1993). Helicobacter pylon organism are spiral, microaerophilic, gram negatives bacteria that demonstrate bluntly rounded ends in gastric biopsy specimen (Goodwin and Armstrong, 1990). However, when cultured on solid medium, the bacteria assume a rod-like shape, under prolonged culture on solid or in liquid medium, coccoid forms typically predominate (Bode et al 1993; Nilus et a! 1993). The organisms possess four to six unipolar sheathed flagella which are essential for bacterial mortality. Helicobacter pylon are exceptionally diverse bacteria specie and every infected individual harbors a unique strain apart from the strain concordance found in some families. The infection is usually acquired during childhood and once established persist for life unless treated with antibiotics.