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Helicobacter pylori colonization in early life
J E Thomas1, A Dale, M Harding
1Medical Research Council Dunn Nutrition Unit, Cambridge, England.
Pediatric Research
|February 18, 1999
Summary
Helicobacter pylori infection is common in young Gambian children, with prevalence reaching 84% by 30 months. The 13C-urea breath test is a reliable indicator for early childhood H. pylori colonization.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant global cause of upper gastrointestinal disease.
- Early childhood colonization patterns of H. pylori remain poorly understood, particularly in developing regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age of acquisition of H. pylori colonization in Gambian children.
- To evaluate diagnostic methods for H. pylori infection in infants.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 248 Gambian children (3-45 months) was followed for 2 years.
- The 13C-urea breath test and serology (IgM, IgG) were used for diagnosis.
- Data were collected at 3-month intervals.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of positive breath tests increased from 19% at 3 months to 84% by 30 months.
- Serology showed discrepancies with breath tests, especially in the first year, and was not validated as a reliable diagnostic tool for infants.
- 20% of children experienced transient H. pylori colonization, indicated by negative breath tests and declining antibody levels.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection is highly prevalent from an early age in Gambian children.
- The 13C-urea breath test is a reliable indicator of H. pylori colonization in this population.
- Previous studies using serodiagnosis may have underestimated early H. pylori prevalence, suggesting infancy as a key period for interventions.