Tonsillar colonization is unlikely to play important role in Helicobacter pylori infection in children
Boris Jelavic1, Miljenko Bevanda, Maja Ostojic
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mostar University Hospital, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. slav.boris@tel.net.ba
Insights
This study found that tonsils are not a significant reservoir for Helicobacter pylori (HP) transmission in children. Socio-economic factors also did not increase HP infection rates in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is a global health concern, particularly in children.
- Understanding transmission routes and risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- The role of tonsils as a potential reservoir for HP in pediatric populations remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seroprevalence of HP infection in children undergoing tonsillectomy.
- To assess the presence and significance of HP colonization on tonsils for transmission.
- To identify potential socio-economic risk factors associated with HP transmission and tonsillar colonization.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 77 children (aged 4-14) in Bosnia and Herzegovina undergoing tonsillectomy.
- Tonsil samples were tested using the Rapid Urease Test (RUT) and HP culture.
- Serological blood tests and (13)Carbon-urea breath test ((13)C-UBT) were performed to confirm HP infection.
- Socio-economic data were collected from parents to evaluate risk factors.
Main Results:
- Out of 139 tonsils examined, 17 palatine tonsils in 14 children were RUT positive but had negative HP cultures.
- Eight children tested positive for both RUT and (13)C-UBT.
- No significant differences in serological test results were observed between children with tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent tonsillitis.
- No significant associations were found between HP seropositivity and age, sex, parental education, family courtyard, children's collective attendance, or pet ownership.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support the hypothesis that tonsils serve as a significant reservoir for HP transmission in children in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The investigated socio-economic factors did not demonstrate a significant impact on HP seropositivity rates in the pediatric cohort.
Objective:
To determine (i) seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in children undergoing tonsillectomy, (ii) possible HP colonization on tonsils of children and its importance in HP transmission, and (iii) if four examined socio-economic factors are the risk factors for HP transmission and HP colonization on tonsils in children.
Methods:
Rapid urease test (RUT) of tonsils, and serologic blood tests for HP were performed in 77 children (aged 4-14 years) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B-H), undergoing tonsillectomy. RUT positive tonsils were cultured for HP. RUT positive children were tested using (13)Carbon-urea breath test ((13)C-UBT). Information about socio-economic potential risk factors was obtained from the parents.
Results:
Out of 139 pharyngeal and palatine tonsils, 17 palatine tonsils in 14 children were RUT positive and had negative HP culture. Eight children had positive both RUT and (13)C-UBT. There was no significant difference between children with hypertrophy and those with recurrent tonsillitis comparing their serologic tests results. There was no significant difference between seronegative (n=61) and seropositive (n=16) children comparing their age, sex, parental education level, owning a family courtyard, attending a children's collective, and owning a pet cat.
Conclusions:
The results in this prospective study do not support the notion that tonsils are an important reservoir for HP transmission in children in B-H. The examined socio-economic factors did not enhance HP seropositivity rate in children.
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