Abstract:

Pregnant women are susceptible to severe health problems caused by Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic infections. These conditions include iron deficiency anaemia, hyperemesis gravidarum, gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and maternal morbidity and mortality. These infections usually spread due to poor personal hygiene and socioeconomic conditions. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic infections amongst pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Okolobiri, Bayelsa State. We analysed the samples using the Helicobacter pylori antibody rapid tests, stool direct wet mounts, formal ether concentration, and saturated sodium chloride floatation. The data revealed that 34% of the women were infected with H. pylori and 20% with intestinal parasites. The highest occurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection and intestinal co-infection was in the 26-30 age group. Entamoeba histolytica was the most common type of protozoa present, while Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichuria were the most common forms of helminth infections. The Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant difference with respect to age. These results provide essential epidemiological data on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Okolobri, Bayelsa State. The study highlights the need to screen pregnant women for H. pylori and intestinal parasites to improve antenatal care for both mother and child.