Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a single-center cross-sectional study

AIM: Many studies have demonstrated that over half of the World's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). To evaluate the current H. pylori seroprevalence in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), H. pylori antibodies (immunoglobulin G, IgG) from patients with suspected presence were analyzed. METHODS: In total, 201/471 (42.7%) males and 270/471 (57.3%) females were enrolled between June 2024 and July 2024. They were tested using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was 214 (out of 471; 45.4%) and did not differ in relation to sex. The seroprevalence rate of H. pylori was highest in the 50–69 age group, 81 (out of 137; 59.1%; 95% CI: 2.2–5.6), followed by the ≥70 age group, 17 (out of 31; 54.8%; CI: 2.0–6.7), and the 30–49 age group, 101 (out of 219; 46.1%; 95% CI: 1.7–4.3). The lowest seroprevalence rate was in the younger age group (≤29) with 15 (out of 84; 17.8%). Older age groups were more likely to be H. pylori positive and equivocal, while younger age groups negative for H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: This single-center study is the first study providing information on the H. pylori seroprevalence in the B&H population and investigating its association with age and sex. Further research is needed to explore other risk factors and to develop effective ways to reduce the burden of this infection.