Objective: To determine the frequency of H. pylori infection in biopsy proven gastritis and its association with lymphoid follicle formation.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at the Department of Histopathology, Dow Diagnostic Reference and Research Laboratory between January 2008 and December 2009. Analysis of 185 gastric antral biopsy specimens was done. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological examination for severity of gastritis and lymphoid follicle formation. Giemsa stain was used for H. pylori assessment.
Results: Out of 185 cases, H pylori was found in 114 (61.6%) patients. Frequency of H. pylori infection was seen in fourth and fifth decades as 17.8% and 15.1% respectively. A total of 51 (27.6%) cases in which lymphoid follicle formation was found, 44 (38.6%) were associated with H. pylori infection. This association was statistically significant (p value < 0.0005) by using Chi square test.
Conclusion: The frequency of H. pylori infection is common in our population, moreover, significant association is seen between lymphoid follicle formation and H. pylori infection.