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Helicobacter pylori and Helicobacter heilmannii in children. A Bulgarian study

Lyudmila Boyanova1, Radka Koumanova, Elena Lazarova

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria. lboyanova@hotmail.com

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|August 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori infection is common in Bulgarian children, linked to gastritis and ulcers, and more prevalent in older children. Helicobacter heilmannii is rare but significant.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Helicobacter heilmannii are significant pathogens in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding their prevalence and diagnostic accuracy is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of H. pylori and H. heilmannii in 321 children.
  • To assess the association of H. pylori infection with gastrointestinal conditions.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic performance of different detection methods.

Main Methods:

  • Gram staining, urease test, and bacterial culture were employed for detection.
  • Specimen types (fresh vs. frozen, biopsy vs. mucus) and incubation times were analyzed.
  • Sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests were calculated.

Main Results:

  • H. pylori prevalence was 52.6%, while H. heilmannii was 0.3%.
  • H. pylori infection was associated with chronic gastritis (57.1%), duodenal ulcer (75%), and non-ulcer dyspepsia (25.6%).
  • Culture demonstrated the highest accuracy; frozen biopsies and 11-day incubation were recommended for reliable detection.

Conclusions:

  • Early acquisition of H. pylori infection is confirmed in Bulgarian children.
  • H. pylori is a common cause of pediatric gastrointestinal issues.
  • H. heilmannii, though uncommon, warrants clinical consideration in children.

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