# Current status of Helicobacter pylori infection and prevalence of resistance-associated gene mutations in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang: a single-center study

## TL;DR

This study reports on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and antibiotic resistance in Bortala, China, highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies.

## Contribution

The study provides new regional data on H. pylori infection and resistance patterns in Bortala, Xinjiang.

## Key findings

- H. pylori infection prevalence was 29.03% in the study population.
- Resistance rates to clarithromycin and levofloxacin were 51.52% and 46.46%, respectively.
- Communal cup-sharing behavior showed borderline significance as a risk factor for infection.

## Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a globally prevalent infectious pathogen, has been epidemiologically associated with dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric carcinogenesis. However, comprehensive regional epidemiological data regarding infection prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and associated risk factors remain insufficient in the Bortala MongolianAutonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, China.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 4 to June 9, 2023, enrolling 341 participants through systematic sampling in Bortala Prefecture. Diagnostic procedures combined non-invasive urea capsule sampling with genotypic detection techniques for simultaneous H. pylori identification and antimicrobial resistance profiling. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on demographic and behavioral variables obtained through standardized questionnaires.

The study revealed an H. pylori infection prevalence of 29.03% (99/341; 95% CI: 24.13–34.34%). Genotypic resistance analysis demonstrated resistance rates of 51.52% (51/99; 95% CI: 41.72–61.32%) for clarithromycin and 46.46% (46/99; 95% CI: 36.66–56.26%) for levofloxacin. Female participants showed a marginally elevated infection risk (OR = 1.27, p = 0.35), while communal cup-sharing behavior demonstrated borderline significance as a risk factor (OR = 1.95, p = 0.09). No statistically significant independent risk factors were identified in the multivariate analysis.

The Bortala Prefecture exhibits alarming genotypic resistance patterns to first-line antibiotics, despite a moderate H. pylori infection prevalence. These findings underscore the critical need for region-specific antimicrobial stewardship and evidence-based treatment protocols guided by local resistance profiles. Future research should prioritize stratified sampling methodologies to delineate ethnicity-specific risk profiles and validate potential risk factors in larger cohorts.