• Says disease fuels gastric cancer, ulcers
DAILY COURIER - Researchers at the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have raised an alarm over the widespread prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Nigeria, revealing that approximately 87% of the population is affected. This figure significantly surpasses the global average of 43%, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
H. pylori is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is a leading cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and can lead to gastric cancer if left untreated. Despite its high prevalence, awareness about the infection remains low among Nigerians.
Professor Stella Smith, Director of Research and Professor of Microbiology at NIMR, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Helicobacter pylori infects the stomach of 43 percent of the world’s population but in Nigeria, the prevalence is a staggering 85-87 percent. Yet, it remains largely ignored, underfunded, and misunderstood."
The bacterium is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, often during childhood. Its ability to persist in the stomach for decades without noticeable symptoms makes it particularly insidious. Professor Smith noted, "We found that 80 percent of H. pylori-positive cases were children under 10 in some regions... It causes, at minimum, gastritis, inflammation of the stomach, but it can lead to far more severe complications, including gastric cancer."
A significant challenge in combating H. pylori is the growing resistance to antibiotics, a consequence of misuse. This resistance complicates treatment efforts and underscores the need for alternative strategies. Recent studies have explored novel approaches, such as utilizing compounds like hydrogen polysulfide found in garlic, which has shown promise in combating H. pylori infections.
The high prevalence of H. pylori in Nigeria is influenced by various sociodemographic and geographical factors. Studies have reported prevalence rates ranging from 67.4% among dyspeptic patients in South-West Nigeria to 89.7% in healthy volunteers in Delta State.
She said, “Helicobacter pylori infects the stomach of 43 per cent of the world’s population but in Nigeria, the prevalence is a staggering 85-87 per cent. Yet, it remains largely ignored, underfunded, and misunderstood.”
Smith, who has dedicated years to the diagnosis and treatment of the pathogen, said the prevalence rate in Nigeria was far above the global average of 43 percent.
“H. pylori is silently infecting millions, yet receives little attention or funding compared to diseases like Ebola and COVID-19.
Addressing journalists during the institute’s monthly media parley in Lagos, he stressed the urgent need for greater awareness, better diagnostic methods, and improved treatment adherence to combat antimicrobial resistance.
She explained that, unlike airborne viruses, H. pylori is acquired through contaminated food and water, often in childhood.
“We found that 80 per cent of H. pylori-positive cases were children under 10 in some regions, adding that, the bacteria’s insidious nature lies in its ability to persist for decades, often without immediate symptoms.
“It causes, at minimum, gastritis, inflammation of the stomach, but it can lead to far more severe complications, including gastric cancer.”
She further disclosed that a critical challenge is the growing resistance to antibiotics, a direct result of misuse.
“In our seven-year study, we found that 95 per cent of H. pylori strains were resistant to metronidazole (Flagyl).”
“H. pylori is a bacterial infection that can be treated and cured with antibiotics. However, treatment requires two antibiotics over 10 to 14 days, and many patients stop taking their medication too soon, leading to drug resistance,” she stated.
She emphasised the urgent need for tailored treatment regimens. “People take antibiotics for a few days, feel better, and stop, fueling this resistance.”
The expert’s frustration is palpable when discussing the lack of awareness and funding. “People are being told it’s not treatable, that they just need to manage symptoms with PPIs,” they lament. “That’s simply not true. It’s a bacterial infection; it can be eradicated.”
To combat this, the expert founded the African Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group, aiming to establish best management practices across the continent. “We’ve created an online registry to track treatment regimens and eradication rates. This will allow us to identify the most effective antibiotics for our local setting.”
Speaking on other critical public health issues, including cholera and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), she said, “Cholera outbreaks, especially in regions like the southeast and south-south, remain a serious concern. We’ve been on the ground, working with government and international agencies to contain these outbreaks.”
Regarding AMR, the expert, who heads the NIMR AMR committee, warned of its silent pandemic status.
“Before COVID-19, WHO recognised AMR as one of the top urgent disease threats worldwide,” they highlight. Millions are dying annually from antibiotic-resistant infections. We must act now to curb this crisis. We need to educate, inform, and act. Millions of lives depend on it,” she added.
Given the alarming prevalence and associated health risks, NIMR is calling for increased awareness, better diagnostic methods, and improved treatment adherence to combat H. pylori infections effectively. Addressing these challenges is crucial to reducing the burden of related diseases and improving public health outcomes in Nigeria.
