The prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection and cagA virulence gene carriage in adults in the Navajo Nation

Microb Health Dis 2024; 6: e1007
DOI: 10.26355/mhd_20247_1007

  Topic: Helicobacter pylori     Category:

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Abstract

Objective: American Indian and Alaska Native people in the United States experience high rates of stomach cancer. Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant risk factor for stomach cancer, and H. pylori strains that carry the cagA gene are linked to greater gastrointestinal disease severity. Yet, little is known about H. pylori and cagA infections in American Indian and Alaska Native people, particularly at the tribal level. We assessed the prevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection and cagA gene carriage in tribal members from the Navajo Nation.

Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with adults from the Navajo Nation. Stool samples collected from participants were analyzed with droplet digital PCR for H. pylori 16S ribosomal and cagA virulence genes. Self-administered health and food questionnaires were mailed to participants to collect information on sociodemographic, health, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors for H. pylori infection. Logistic regression assessed the association between risk factors and H. pylori infection and cagA gene carriage.

Results: Among 99 adults, the median age was 45 (age range: 18 to 79 years), and 73.7% were female. About 56.6% (95% CI: 46.2-66.5) of participants were infected with H. pylori. Of H. pylori-infected participants, 78.6% (95% CI: 65.6-88.4) were cagA-gene positive. No significant associations of relevant risk factors with H. pylori and cagA-gene positive infections were noted.

Conclusions: In a community-based study population, a substantial proportion of adult tribal members had H. pylori and cagA-gene positive infections. Given these high proportions, culturally appropriate prevention strategies and interventions addressing H. pylori infections present an avenue for additional research and stomach cancer prevention in the Navajo Nation.

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To cite this article

The prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection and cagA virulence gene carriage in adults in the Navajo Nation

Microb Health Dis 2024; 6: e1007
DOI: 10.26355/mhd_20247_1007

Publication History

Submission date: 29 May 2024

Revised on: 05 Jun 2024

Accepted on: 20 Jun 2024

Published online: 04 Jul 2024