The prevalence and risk factors of infection and virulence gene carriage in adults in the Navajo Nation.

BACKGROUND

American Indian and Alaska Native people in the United States experience high rates of stomach cancer. infection is a significant risk factor for stomach cancer, and strains that carry the gene are linked to greater gastrointestinal disease severity. Yet, little is known about and infections in American Indian and Alaska Native people, particularly at the tribal level. We assessed the prevalence and risk factors of infection and gene carriage in tribal members from the Navajo Nation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with adults from the Navajo Nation. Stool samples collected from participants were analyzed with droplet digital PCR for 16S ribosomal and virulence genes. Self-administered health and food questionnaires were mailed to participants to collect information on sociodemographic, health, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors for infection. Logistic regression assessed the association between risk factors and infection and gene carriage.

RESULTS

Among 99 adults, the median age was 45 (age range: 18 to 79 years), and 73.7% were female. About 56.6% (95% CI: 46.2-66.5) of participants were infected with . Of -infected participants, 78.6% (95% CI: 65.6-88.4) were -gene positive. No significant associations of relevant risk factors with and -gene positive infections were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In a community-based study population, a substantial proportion of adult tribal members had and -gene positive infections. Given these high proportions, culturally appropriate prevention strategies and interventions addressing infections present an avenue for additional research and stomach cancer prevention in the Navajo Nation.