RP-Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology

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    Prevalence and Endoscopic Findings of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Dyspeptic Patients in Kenya
    (Scientific Research Publishing, 2020-12) Mwangi, Catherine N.; Njoroge, N. Stephen; Rajula, Allan; Laving, Ahmed; Rose, Kamenwa; Smita, Devani; Andrew, Nyerere; Gunturu, Revathi
    Background: Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of chronic human infections worldwide with the highest reported prevalence in Africa. It is associated with numerous upper gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Endoscopic findings in the stomach usually associated with Helicobacter pylori infections include gastritis and gastro- esophageal reflux disease (GERD), however, these findings are suggestive but not diagnostic of Helicobacter pylori infection. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted between January 2018 and February 2019 at the Aga Khan University Hospital where dyspeptic patients scheduled for gastroduodenoscopy were enrolled. These patients were evaluated for Helicobacter pylori infection by rapid urease test, culture and histopathology. Diagnostic findings and patient history collected from medical files were documented and data analyzed. Results: A total of 487 dyspeptic patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were enrolled in the study and 199 dyspeptic patients were positive for Helicobacter pylori infection. The prevalence was 54.6% in males and 45.4% in females (p = 0.1546. The most common clinical indication and endoscopic findings were heart burn (25.2%) and gastritis (53.7%). Histopathology revealed that 86.1% of the dyspeptic patients had chronic active gastritis (p < 0.005) and 52.8% of them had H. pylori infection. Conclusions: Classical endoscopic findings such as GERD are not always indicative of H. pylori infection as its association with H. pylori infection was not statistically significant in this study.
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    Prevalence and Genotypic Diversity of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus among Women of Reproductive Age in Kilifi County, Kenya
    (Cureus, 2025-04) Kariuki, Hellen W.; Nyamari, Celestine K.; Waweru, Peter M.; Makazi, Patrick M.; Mureithi, Marianne W.; Bulimo, Wallace; Wanjala, Erick; McKinnon, Lyle; Kariuki, Humphrey N.; Onyambu, Frank G.
    Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and the primary cause of cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Kenya. Although many HPV infections resolve on their own, some high-risk types may persist and gradually develop into cervical cancer over several years, providing opportunities for early detection and intervention. However, in low-resource settings like Kilifi County, HPV testing is limited, and alternative screening methods like visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) are commonly used despite their limitations. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence and genotype distribution of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) among women of reproductive age in Kilifi County, Kenya, to inform targeted public health interventions. Methodology This study was nested within a more extensive cross-sectional study on female genital schistosomiasis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We focus on a stratified sample of 320 women aged 15-50 from Rabai and Magarini sub-counties, Kilifi, Kenya, identified as Schistosoma haematobium hotspots. Participants provided informed consent, and pregnant women were excluded. Clinical data was collected and sociodemographic data collected via questionnaires, while high vaginal and cervical swabs were selfcollected for HPV testing, screening for 24 HR-HPV genotypes. Results Data from 261 women were analyzed. The overall HR-HPV prevalence was 48.7%, with the Magarini subcounty showing a higher prevalence (31.4%) compared to Rabai (17.2%). The most prevalent HPV genotypes were HPV 18 (25.3%), HPV 45 (22.6%), and HPV 16 (12.6%). Co-infections were common, particularly with HPV 18 and 45. HPV 16 was more prevalent in the Rabai subcounty, while HPV 18 and 45 were more common in the Magarini subcounty. Significant associations were found between sexual partnership type, leukocyte levels, and HPV positivity. Conclusion Kilifi County exhibits a high prevalence of HR-HPV, with genotype variations across sub-counties, suggesting differences in risk factors and access to preventive measures. Self-sampling and communitybased screening effectively increased participation and diversity in the study population, highlighting the need for targeted, age-specific screening programs and comprehensive HPV genotyping to enhance cervical cancer prevention strategies in the region.