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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Gastric Mucosa Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis for Detecting Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: March 7, 2025
[Current epidemiological and clinical issues regarding Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood]
J Sýkora1, P Pazdiora, J Varvarovská
1Detská klinika FN a LF UK v Plzni. sykorajo@fnplzen.cz
Insights
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common in children, often asymptomatic, and linked to socioeconomic status. Effective treatment involves proton pump-based triple therapy with probiotics, despite macrolide resistance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is prevalent globally, acquired mainly in childhood.
- Transmission routes are unclear, with family-to-child transmission and low socioeconomic status as key risk factors.
- H. pylori is linked to various gastroduodenal diseases, though its role in pediatric gastric issues is debated, and infections are often asymptomatic in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on H. pylori infection in children.
- To discuss diagnostic methods, treatment challenges, and the need for further research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on H. pylori infection in pediatric populations.
- Analysis of diagnostic approaches (invasive vs. noninvasive).
- Evaluation of current treatment strategies and resistance patterns.
Main Results:
- H. pylori infection in children is frequently asymptomatic, with conflicting reports on its association with gastric manifestations.
- High macrolide resistance complicates treatment efficacy.
- Proton pump-based triple therapy combined with probiotics shows promising eradication rates.
Conclusions:
- Multinational, multicenter studies in childhood are crucial for advancing understanding of H. pylori infection.
- Further research is needed to establish clear diagnostic and treatment guidelines for children.
- Effective management can prevent long-term gastroduodenal disease sequelae.
Abstract:
H. pylori infection is common worldwide, and is acquired primarily during childhood. The mechanism of acquisition is not clear. In recent years the main focus of interest has been on the transmission of infection from family members to children. The main risk factor for acquiring the infection seems to be low socioeconomic status. H. pylori is associated with gastritis, duodenal ulcers, MALT lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Extra-intestinal clinical manifestations have also been reported. However, the infection is often asymptomatic in children and the role of H. pylori infection in gastric manifestations is the subject of conflicting reports. Methods for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in children are subdivided into invasive and noninvasive. There is a lack of consensus on treatment. The treatment of H. pylori is hampered by high macrolide-resistance. Treatment with proton pump-based triple therapy for 1-2 weeks gives the best eradication rates when combined with supplements containing probiotics. Multinational, multicentre studies in childhood are essential to extend current knowledge to avoid long-term gastroduodenal disease sequelae.
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