Assessment of the impact of Helicobacter pylori on some Haematological parameters amongst appendicitis patients in Benin City

Background: Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between Helicobacter pylori induced ulceration and appendicitis, possibly through inflammatory and immunological pathways. This study aimed to access the impact of Helicobacter pylori on some Haematological Parameters Amongst Appendicitis Patients in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 appendicitis patients who underwent appendectomy. Data on socio-demographic were obtained using structured questionnaires. Helicobacter pylori antibody testing and haematological analysis (white blood cell count (WBC), haemoglobin level (HB) were performed using standard procedures. Appendiceal tissues were subjected to histopathological examination, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v 25, with p <0.05 considered significant. Results: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among appendicitis patients was 18% (9/50). The highest infection rate occurred in patients aged 16-25 years 6 (66.7%) and was more common in females 7 (77.8%). Helicobacter pylori positive patients had significantly higher WBC counts ranging between (10.9-13.1 x 10⁹/L) with the mean WBC count of (11.85 x 10⁹/L) and their Hemoglobin levels were generally lower (10.00 - 11.8 g/dL) with mean value of (10.72 g/dL) compared to H. pylori negative participants. Histopathological evaluation revealed features of acute appendicitis, with some specimens showing ulcerative changes potentially linked to Helicobacter pylori associated inflammation. Conclusion: This study found a notable prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in appendicitis patients, with associated elevated systemic inflammation and reduced haemoglobin levels (mild anaemia). These findings support the possibility that Helicobacter pylori may be associated with appendiceal inflammation through ulcerative mechanism. Screening for Helicobacter pylori in appendicitis patients, particularly in high prevalence regions, could improve diagnosis and enable targeted interventions to reduce complications.