Helicobacter pylori associated ulcerative infections among patients attending Madonna University Teaching Hospital, Elele, Rivers State

The investigation of faecal occult blood and Helicobacter Pylori associated gastro-intestinal symptoms in Madonna University teaching Hospital, Elele, Rivers State, was carried out between June 2010 and January 2011. Seventy eight (78) faecal samples were collected and analysed using established repaid diagnostic faecal tests. The findings revealed that 32 (41%) and 11 (14.1%) samples were positive for faecal occult blood and H. pylori tests respectively. On the gender differences, there was no statistical difference (p>0.05) between male and female patients studied. There was also no difference (p>0.05) between those ulcer patients caused by H. pylori and other associated factors. This study therefore suggests that the possible cause of most gastric ulcers among patients in Elele and environs in Rivers State is linked to H. pylori. Proper environmental sanitation and education on social behaviour are pivotal to check transmission.