Serum Iron Profile in Sudanese Patients Infected by Helicobacter Pylori

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped, motile bacterium that represents one of the most widespread chronic infections in humans, affecting nearly half of the global population. Iron is a vital micronutrient required for almost all living organisms, including H. pylori, which relies on iron to establish colonization. Although several studies have indicated an association between iron deficiency (ID) or iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and H. pylori infection, the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Aim: To assess the serum iron profile among Sudanese patients with H. pylori infection. Methods: Analytical case‑control hospital-based study was conducted at Bahri Hospital, Khartoum state during the period from December 2018 to April 2019. Eighty subjects were involved; forty patients with H. pylori and forty healthy individuals as a control group. Serum total iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) concentrations were estimated using the colorimetric method with a Mindray Analyzer. Serum total ferritin concentrations were estimated using an ELISA kit method with a TOSOH Analyzer. Results: The mean ± SD of serum iron, TIBC, and ferritin in the case groups were 92.80±34.38, 304.65±50.19, and 159.73±80.58, respectively. In the controls, the corresponding values were 109.00±22.51, 323.75±32.14, and 200.95±45.09, respectively. These parameters were significantly lower in cases compared with controls (p<0.05). Conclusions: Sudanese patients with H. pylori infection exhibited significantly lower serum iron, TIBC, and ferritin levels compared with controls. No significant association was detected between iron profile parameters and patient age.