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Breastfeeding and Helicobacter pylori Infection in Early Childhood: a Continuing Dilemma

Jafar Soltani1, Bahram Nikkhoo2, Jabar Khormehr1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics.

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics
|May 29, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding does not appear to protect Kurdish children from Helicobacter pylori infection long-term. Factors like family size and housing density may increase H. pylori infection risk.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a prevalent bacterial infection linked to duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer.
  • Risk factors for H. pylori acquisition are studied, but breastfeeding's role in prevention remains debated.
  • This study investigates the long-term impact of breastfeeding on H. pylori infection in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of breastfeeding on H. pylori infection in Kurdish children.
  • To determine if breastfeeding offers protection against H. pylori infection in early childhood.
  • To identify potential risk factors associated with H. pylori acquisition in the studied population.

Main Methods:

  • A historical cohort study involving 221 children aged 2 years in Sanandaj, Iran.
  • Children were categorized into breastfed and non-breastfed groups.
  • H. pylori stool antigen testing was used to detect infection post-weaning; statistical analysis assessed associations.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in H. pylori infection rates was observed between breastfed and non-breastfed children (OR=0.809).
  • Age was associated with H. pylori prevalence (P=0.008).
  • Increased family size (OR=1.93) and housing density (OR=2.12) were linked to higher odds of infection.

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding in infancy does not provide sustained protection against H. pylori infection in this Iranian cohort.
  • Any protective effect of breastfeeding against H. pylori appears to be transient.
  • Family size and housing density are identified as potential risk factors for H. pylori infection.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenHelicobacter PyloriHuman MilkIranRisk Factors

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