Helicobacter pylori is not a Cause of Anaemia amongst People Living with HIV and AIDS in Tanzania

Abstract

Objectives: Helicobacter pylori is the most common infection worldwide. Several reports have indicated an association between H. pylori infection and anaemia. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori co-infection with HIV and its correlation with anaemia and CD4 cell counts. Methods: A cross sectional study of 77 people infected with human immunodeficiency virus at SHIDEPHA+ Post Test Club Mwananyamala in Dar-es-Salaam, were assessed for Helicobacter pylori infection using 13C urea breath tests, immune integrity by use of CD4 cell count and anaemia using Beckman Coulter Counter. Results: Of the 77 subjects who were HIV positive 31 (40%) were H. pylori positive, compared to 14 out of 25 (56%) H. pylori positive amongst HIV negative controls. The mean (SD) haemoglobin level in H. pylori negative subjects was 11.7 (1.6) g/dl, compared to 11.4 (1.75) g/dl amongst those who were H. pylori positive (unpaired t test, p=0.43). Of the 15 subjects with CD4 counts below 200/ml, 4 (26%) were H. pylori positive, compared to 27/62 (48%) of those with CD4 counts above 200/ml (Chi squared, p<0.005). Conclusion: Our data demonstrates that H. pylori colonization is unlikely to contribute to anaemia amongst HIV positive subjects studied. Although this suggests that H. pylori colonization does not lead to significant problems in this population, both adequate nutrition and treatment of problems such as iron deficiency remain important components of the management of HIV positivity and AIDS throughout Africa.