Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection? Evaluation of endoscopic results in patients with dyspeptic complaints.

Abstract

Objective: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to widespread public health measures that reduced human-to-human contact. This study investigates the pandemic's effect on the clinical and pathological outcomes of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in patients with dyspeptic complaints.

Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients presenting with dyspepsia before the pandemic (January-December 2019) and during the pandemic (April-December 2020). Gastric biopsies were evaluated for HP infection and inflammation severity according to the Sydney classification. Statistical analyses compared the incidence and clinical characteristics of HP infection between the two periods.

Results: Among 788 patients, there was no significant difference in HP infection incidence or severity between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (p=0.51). However, more symptomatic patients presented during the pandemic, including increased cases of epigastric pain (p<0.01) and gastroesophageal reflux (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Despite social distancing measures, the incidence of HP infection remained unchanged. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 restrictions did not significantly impact HP transmission but may have influenced symptom presentation and patient healthcare-seeking behavior.