Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Adult Patients with Dyspepsia at the Gastrointestinal and Hepatology Clinic in Tobruk Medical Center, Tobruk, Libya

Abstract

Dyspepsia is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal condition characterized by persistent or recurrent epigastric discomfort or pain. It represents a significant clinical burden worldwide and is frequently encountered in both primary care and specialized gastroenterology settings. The underlying pathophysiology of dyspepsia is complex and multifactorial, involving disturbances in gastric motility, visceral hypersensitivity, psychosocial factors, and infectious causes. Among these, infection with Helicobacter pylori has been widely recognized as an important contributor, particularly in developing countries where its prevalence remains high. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among adult patients presenting with symptoms of dyspepsia at the Gastrointestinal and Hepatology Clinic in Tobruk Medical Center, Tobruk, Libya. The study population consisted of adult patients aged 18 years and above who presented with clinical features suggestive of dyspepsia over the study period. A total of 205 patients were recruited, including 100 males and 105 females. Relevant demographic and clinical data were collected, and all participants were evaluated for Helicobacter pylori infection using appropriate diagnostic methods. Out of the 205 patients included in the study, 164 were found to be positive for Helicobacter pylori, yielding a prevalence rate of 80%. The findings of this study demonstrate a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among adult patients with dyspepsia in this setting, highlighting the need for routine diagnostic evaluation and targeted eradication therapy to improve patient outcomes.