Published in PLOS One on 2026-07-15, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original study title: Prevalence and pre-disposing factors of Helicobacter pylori among patients with gastro-intestinal symptoms attending Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Original authors: Racheal Twikirize, Phillip Wanduru, Tumwine Gabriel, David Musoke
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0342871
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Comprehensive data on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its predisposing factors among patients with gastrointestinal symptoms remain limited. Generating this evidence would help inform clinical management and improve antibiotic stewardship. H. pylori infection affects a substantial proportion of the global population, with prevalence varying widely across regions. In Uganda, previous studies have documented the presence of H. pylori infection. However, data specific to symptomatic patients are scarce. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and predisposing factors among patients with gastrointestinal symptoms attending Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 353 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms attending Mulago Hospital. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle and dietary habits, and medical history were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. H. pylori infection status was determined using stool antigen tests. Proportions were used to determine the prevalence of H. pylori, and predisposing factors analyzed using STATA version 14 software by performing bivariate and multivariable analyses.
Among the 353 participants, majority were between 16 and 35 years old (69%), female (58%), and residing in peri-urban areas (74%). The prevalence of H. pylori infection in this population was 308 (87.3%). Multivariable analysis showed that H. pylori infection was significantly associated with having more than five income dependents (aPRR = 1.104, 95% CI: 1.025–1.189, p = 0.008), a history of previous H. pylori treatment (aPRR = 3.459, 95% CI: 2.138–5.595, p < 0.001), and a family history of H. pylori infection or gastrointestinal ulcers (aPRR = 1.135, 95% CI: 1.055–1.221, p = 0.001).
This study demonstrated a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms, with nearly nine out of ten individuals testing positive. The high burden observed suggests that routine screening for H. pylori, or carefully guided empirical treatment, may be clinically justified in symptomatic patients. These findings underscore the need for integrated clinical and public health strategies to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of H. pylori infection in this setting.
Introduction
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a motile, gram-negative, urease-producing bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa, most often acquired during childhood [1]. Globally, more than half of the population is infected, making it one of the most common chronic bacterial infections [1,2]. Its public health relevance stems from its established association with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, leading the International Agency for Research on Cancer to classify it as a Class I carcinogen. [3,4] Although infection can persist for life if untreated, only a minority of individuals develop clinically significant disease, while the majority remain asymptomatic [5]. The diversity of bacterial strains and their virulence factors—such as CagA and VacA—plays an important role in determining disease outcomes. [6]
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Racheal Twikirize, Phillip Wanduru, Tumwine Gabriel, David Musoke. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Prevalence and factors associated with treatment delay among colorectal cancer patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital and the Uganda Cancer Institute: A cross-sectional study
- Evidence brief: Determinants of underweight and overweight/obesity among people with tuberculosis in Kampala, Uganda: A cross-sectional study
- Evidence brief: Unmet needs and quality of life of adult patients while receiving cancer treatment in Uganda: A cross-sectional study
