Prevalence and characteristics of Helicobacter pylori infection in food handlers of the “Rubén Darío” University Campus, UNAN-Managua

Abstract

The prevalence of H. pylori infection in developing countries is high, one of the sources of spread is infected food handlers.  The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence and characteristics of H. pylori infection in food handlers of the “Rubén Darío” University Campus (RURD) at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN)-Managua, in October-December 2019. This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, with a sample of 55 people, who underwent the “Helicobacter pylori Ag cassette Optimus Test ©” test for diagnosis. The prevalence of infection was 36,4%. The infected population was predominantly female 80%, between 41-50 years 38,2% and kitchen assistants 49,1%. Most brush their teeth twice a day 56,4% and never use mouthwash 45,5%. There was no strict adherence to the national health standard, as not everyone constantly wore gloves, hairnets, and masks. The most frequent symptoms were: abdominal distension 30.9%, abdominal pain 25.5% and frequent belching 21.8%.  Statistical association was found with the presence of melena p=0,00013, frequent belching p=0,002, absence of symptoms p=0,018 and tooth brushing p=0,035.  It was concluded that the prevalence of infection is significantly lower than that found in similar studies.

Keywords: food handlers, Helicobacter pylori, infection.