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Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in a pediatric population
I Altuğlu1, A A Sayiner, T Ozacar
1Department of Microbiology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common in children. Seroprevalence increased with age and poor socioeconomic status in Izmir, Turkey, affecting 53% of pediatric participants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a prevalent bacterial pathogen globally.
- Understanding H. pylori seroprevalence in pediatric populations is crucial for public health.
- Izmir, Turkey, presents a specific demographic for studying infection patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in children in Izmir.
- To investigate the association between H. pylori seropositivity and various demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 226 children (aged 1-18) in Izmir.
- Anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies were measured using enzyme immunoassay.
- Data on socioeconomic status, living area, and household size were collected.
Main Results:
- Overall H. pylori seroprevalence was 53% (120 out of 226 children).
- Seroprevalence significantly correlated with increasing age.
- Poor socioeconomic conditions were associated with higher H. pylori seroprevalence.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection is common in the pediatric population of Izmir.
- Age and socioeconomic status are significant risk factors for H. pylori infection in children.
- Further research may inform targeted prevention strategies.
Abstract:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the common bacterial infections in humans. In this study, seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in a pediatric population in Izmir and its relationship with different variables were investigated. Two hundred twenty-six children (115 boys, 111 girls, age range: 1-18) were tested for anti-H. pylori IgG. Socioeconomic conditions, living area (urban or rural), and number of people living in the same house were noted for each subject. H. pylori antibodies were determined by an enzyme immunoassay. Overall, 120 (53%) subjects were seropositive for H. pylori. The seroprevalence of H. pylori increased significantly with age and poor socioeconomic conditions. Seroprevalence did not differ according to sex, number of people living in the same house or living area.