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Helicobacter pylori among symptomatic Egyptian children: prevalence, risk factors, and effect on growth
Yasmine Samir Galal1, Carolyne Morcos Ghobrial2, John Rene Labib3
1Departments of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, 31 Mohamed Hassan El-Gamal Street, Nasr City, Cairo, 11759, Egypt. yasmine.galal@hotmail.com.
Insights
A high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was found in symptomatic children. This H. pylori infection negatively impacts children's growth parameters.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors in children is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and predictors of H. pylori infection in symptomatic children.
- To assess the impact of H. pylori infection on children's growth parameters.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 630 symptomatic children.
- H. pylori infection diagnosed via stool antigen test.
- Growth parameters (weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height Z-scores) were assessed.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 64.6%.
- Significant predictors included residence in Upper Egypt, rural areas, maternal illiteracy, household crowding, lack of pure water, and eating from street vendors.
- Children with H. pylori infection showed significantly lower weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height Z-scores.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of H. pylori infection exists among symptomatic Egyptian children.
- H. pylori infection is associated with impaired growth and reduced levels of hemoglobin, iron, and ferritin.
Aim:
This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and predictors of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among symptomatic children and the effect on growth.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Clinics of the Gastroenterology Unit of the Pediatric Hospital, Cairo University. A total of 630 children complaining of any symptoms or signs suspicious of H. pylori infection were enrolled. Weight and height were measured for each child, and the standard deviation scores (Z-scores) for weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and height-for-age (HAZ) were calculated. H. pylori was diagnosed using a stool antigen test.
Results:
The overall prevalence of infection was 64.6%. Socio-demographic variables significantly associated with H. pylori were residence in Upper Egypt (P = 0.013) and rural areas (P = 0.004), illiteracy of mothers (P = 0.017), household crowding index ≥ 3 (P = 0.011), absence of pure water supply (P = 0.005), and eating from street vendors (P < 0.001). Values of WAZ [median, interquartile range (IQR) in infected = - 1.3(- 2.7 to - 0.4) and non-infected = - 0.7(- 2.1 to - 0.1), P < 0.001], HAZ (P = 0.036), and WHZ (P = 0.005) were significantly lower in children infected with H. pylori. After performing a backward logistic regression analysis, eating from street vendors (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.346-2.625, P < 0.001), absence of pure water supply (OR = 1.725, 95% CI 1.162-2.561, P = 0.007), and overcrowding (OR = 1.547, 95% CI 1.100-2.177, P = 0.012) remained the significant predictors of H. pylori infection.
Conclusion:
A high prevalence of H. pylori infection among symptomatic children was detected. The extra-digestive effects of H. pylori were revealed in the form of affection of growth parameters and reduced levels of serum hemoglobin, iron, and ferritin.
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