Risk factors for co-infections of helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasites: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Helicobacter (H.) pylori is one of the most prevalent bacterial infections worldwide, alongside intestinal parasitic infections, both posing significant public health risks. This research investigates the frequency of co-infections involving H. pylori and intestinal parasites while determining associated impacts.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 240 patients from Imam Reza Clinic in Kermanshah (Dec 2023-Apr 2024) were included. Stool samples were tested for H. pylori by ELISA and intestinal parasites by microscopy and staining. Demographic data, diet, water source, and gastrointestinal symptoms were collected via questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression in SPSS 21.

RESULTS

Of 240 patients, 43.3% had H. pylori infection, and intestinal parasites were detected in 24.2%. Occupation, age, vegetarian diet, and drinking water source were significantly associated with H. pylori infection alone. Findings suggested some parasites may increase H. pylori risk; however, this was not statistically confirmed. Logistic regression identified age and gastrointestinal symptoms as predictors of co-infection. Risk was highest in the 40-49 age group (OR=7.54, p=0.029); no significant associations were found in older groups (OR=4.08, p=0.148; OR=5.68, p=0.060). Multiple gastrointestinal symptoms significantly increased co-infection likelihood (OR=6.18, p=0.008). Gender (OR=1.65, p=0.267), diet (OR=1.98, p=0.134), occupation (OR=0.86, p=0.783), and water source (OR=0.21, p=0.127) showed no significant results.

CONCLUSION

Co-infections of H. pylori were found in 10.8% of patients. Age and gastrointestinal symptoms were key predictors, while gender, water source, occupation, and residence showed no significant influence.