Josaphat Ndelo-di-Phanzu
University of Kinshasa, DR Congo
Title: Surprising unknown H. pylori epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo (Hp-EDRC)
Biography
Biography: Josaphat Ndelo-di-Phanzu
Abstract
Since a few decades, numerous suspicions of massive criminal poisonings do exist within the population, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Th e poison in concern, named “Karuho poison”, is supposed from vegetal or animal origin, located principally in the East region of the country, where the poisoners are also supposed from. According to popular belief, the “Karuho poison” cannot be managed by the modern medicine. Traditional practitioners are recognized as the only specialists of Karuho poisoning. Our research work on “Karuho poisoning” in DR Congo started in 1990. Aft er 20 years of trying, we surprisingly observed in 2010 that, blood specimens from “Karuho poisoning” patients were positive to H. pylori. A poster has been presented at Jackson University, in USA in 2012, on 65 collected blood samples. Since 2012, the number of blood samples has increased signifi cantly with the same positive result concerning the presence of H. pylori. Symptoms presented by the patients, were much diversifi ed, not only digestive but also general and even nervous, indicating a free and massive passage of H. pylori toxin to the blood. About the origin of the H. pylori contamination, we suppose the existence of a natural primary reservoir of the bacterium in the East region of the DR Congo, principally, at or around the Kivu Lake. Th e H. pylori epidemic disease in concern looks like a large opened book, providing to the international scientifi c community an interesting opportunity to learn more about H. pylori infection. Strong international collaboration and suitable fi nancial means are needed for that.
