Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic coinfections among patients with gastrointestinal complaints in a Rwandan Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Intestinal parasitic infections and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) constitute a global health challenge especially in low-income countries. In Rwanda, documentation about their co-infection is scarce. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of co-infection with intestinal parasites and H. pylori and their association with gastrointestinal symptoms among patients attending the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB) in Rwanda. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a total number of 356 patients after signing the consent form. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, while medical records were consulted for clinicopathological characteristics. An H. pylori stool antigen test was used to determine H. pylori infection while a wet mount microscopic examination was used to determine intestinal parasites infection.

RESULTS

Intestinal parasitic infections were detected in 132 individuals (37.1%), while H. pylori stool antigen tests were positive in 130 cases (36.5%). Coinfection with both intestinal parasites and H. pylori was observed in 43 participants (12.1%). A statistically significant association was found between Entamoeba histolytica/dispar infection and H. pylori status (χ² = 5.287, p = 0.021). Furthermore, participants with co-infections were more likely to suffer epigastric [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.996, p = 0.004] and abdominal pain (aOR = 2.884, p = 0.006) than those without infection or those with single infection.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a significant burden of H. pylori and intestinal parasitic infections, with notable rates of coinfection and strong associations with common gastrointestinal symptoms. The observed link between Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and H. pylori highlights potential pathogen interactions that may influence clinical outcomes. Despite certain limitations, these findings underscore the need for integrated diagnostic approaches and context-specific interventions to improve gastrointestinal health in endemic settings.