PCR Detection and Antibiogram of Helicobacter pylori from Gastric Biopsy Specimens at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital

Helicobacter pylori infection is the most prevalent chronic bacterial infection globally and the primary causative agent of peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma. In Nigeria, seroprevalence estimates exceed 80% in adult populations, yet molecular diagnostic data on H. pylori genotypes and antibiotic resistance remain limited. This study detected H. pylori and assessed antibiotic resistance profiles in gastric biopsy specimens from patients undergoing endoscopy at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria. Sixty antral biopsy specimens were collected. H. pylori detection was performed by PCR targeting the ureA and glmM genes. Clarithromycin resistance was assessed by detecting A2142G and A2143G mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. Culture-based antibiogram was performed against six antibiotics. H. pylori was detected in 55% of specimens by PCR, with a lower sensitivity of culture at 42%. Clarithromycin resistance-associated mutations were detected in 38% of positive specimens, representing a high resistance burden. These findings have direct implications for first-line triple therapy selection in Northwestern Nigeria and support the need for region-specific H. pylori resistance surveillance programs. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, ureA gene, clarithromycin resistance, gastric biopsy, Sokoto.