[Helicobacter pylori infection in children]

Helicobacter pylori infection in children. Clinical manifestations are not specific in the course of H. pylori infection in children and in most cases the infection is asymptomatic. The initial diagnosis is based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy-based methods (culture, PCR, histology and rapid urease test). Treatment should be based on the results of the antibiotic (particularly clarithromycin) susceptibility testing of the isolated strains (antibiogram and/or PCR) with a good therapeutic adherence more than 90%. Finally, according to the last pediatric recommendations the treatment duration is 14 days for the triple therapy (proton pump inhibitor + two antibiotics).