A silent yet dangerous bacterial infection is spreading across Nigeria, affecting an estimated 85 to 87 percent of the population, yet few recognize its risks, according to Professor Stella Ifeanyi Smith, Director of Research and Professor of Microbiology at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is a leading cause of gastritis (stomach inflammation), peptic ulcers, and, in some cases, gastric cancer. With an alarming prevalence rate far exceeding the global average of 43 percent, this infection continues to affect millions of Nigerians while receiving little attention compared to diseases like Ebola and COVID-19.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Smith highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness, improved diagnostic methods, and better treatment adherence to combat rising antimicrobial resistance.
“H. pylori is treatable with antibiotics, but proper treatment requires two antibiotics taken over 10 to 14 days. Unfortunately, many patients discontinue their medication too soon, leading to drug resistance,” she explained.
Her seven-year study, funded by the German Research Foundation, found that 95 percent of H. pylori cases in Nigeria were resistant to metronidazole (Flagyl), a commonly prescribed antibiotic. Unlike airborne viruses, H. pylori is typically acquired in childhood, with research indicating that up to 80 percent of Nigerian children under 10 are already infected. However, its long-term impact remains largely overlooked.
While only one to three percent of infected individuals develop gastric cancer, Smith’s research uncovered cases in Nigerians under 30—a worrying trend, as gastric cancer is more common in older adults. “In Ife, we found people in their 30s diagnosed with gastric cancer linked to H. pylori. This highlights the urgency of addressing this infection,” she warned.
To tackle this growing threat, Smith established the African Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group, which launched the African Helicobacter Pylori Registry. This initiative tracks treatment effectiveness across the continent, ensuring proper diagnosis and post-treatment monitoring to prevent drug resistance.
She emphasized that sustained funding and physician education are critical to reducing H. pylori infections and their severe complications. “With proper awareness and adherence to treatment, we can significantly lower gastric cancer cases linked to this infection,” she said.
Calling on policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to prioritize H. pylori as a public health concern, Smith advocated for widespread screening, improved treatment guidelines, and increased investment in research and patient care. “Many people underestimate H. pylori, but it silently causes severe harm over time. We must take it seriously,” she urged.