Histomorphology of Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis in Ilorin.

The presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies is of significant therapeutic implication. The aim of the study was to review gastric biopsies taken from dyspeptic patients in the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for H. pylori mucosa positivity and other parameters of chronic gastritis. Fifty-seven chronic gastritis cases were evaluated using the updated Sydney classification scheme. There were 27 males and 30 females with a mean age of 48.8 +/- 15.6 years. Chronic mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates ranging from mild, moderate to marked was seen in 15 (26.3%), 29 (50.9%) and 13 (22.8%) cases respectively. H. pylori was positive in 28 cases (49.1%) while the rest were H. pylori negative. Neutrophil activity was observed in 39 cases (68.4%). Non-atrophic gastritis was seen in 39 cases (68.4%) while atrophic gastritis ranging from mild to moderate changes was seen in 18 cases (31.6%). Intestinal metaplasia was found in 5 cases (8.8%) and it comprised of type I (3 cases) and type II (2 cases). H. pylori was the main aetiological agent responsible for chronic gastritis, commonly found in the antral mucosal biopsies and the majority presented with mild-moderate chronic inflammatory changes.