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Rapid Detection of Fecal Antigen of Helicobacter pylori Infection Based on Double Antibody Sandwich Detection Technology
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Helicobacter pylori, helminth infections and growth: a cross-sectional study in a high prevalence population

Sarah Cherian1, David Forbes, Frank Sanfilippo

  • 1School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|February 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and helminth infections are common in African refugee children but do not impact growth. Further studies are needed to understand long-term effects of H. pylori on child development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Global child health
  • Nutritional anthropometry

Background:

  • Childhood Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common, with potential growth impacts, but data are inconsistent.
  • African refugee children often experience high burdens of H. pylori and helminth infections.
  • Understanding the relationship between these infections and child growth is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between H. pylori and helminth infections and growth parameters in a cohort of African refugee children.
  • To determine if H. pylori infection is linked to growth restriction in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted on African refugee children (<16 years) resettling in Australia.
  • H. pylori infection was diagnosed using fecal monoclonal antigen enzyme immunoassay testing (MFAT).
  • Growth restriction was defined as anthropometric measures below the fifth percentile for age and gender.

Main Results:

  • H. pylori infection prevalence was high (81.9%) among the children studied.
  • No significant adverse effects of H. pylori on body mass index or other anthropometric measurements were found after age adjustment.
  • Helminth infections (41.8%) were common but not associated with reduced growth or H. pylori co-infection.

Conclusions:

  • Both H. pylori and helminth infections are highly prevalent in this cohort of African refugee children.
  • Neither infection was found to be associated with growth restriction in the studied children.
  • Longitudinal studies are recommended to assess the long-term impact of H. pylori on childhood growth velocity.
Abstract

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