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Updated: Jun 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Detection and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Published on: July 28, 2023
Detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in children using rapid urease and histologic methods of diagnosis
Taiba J Afaa1, Nana A H Seneadza2, Afua D Abrahams3
1Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in nearly half of children using rapid urease and histological tests. Large households and pets increased infection risk in children.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a significant global health concern, particularly in children.
- Understanding risk factors and diagnostic methods is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of rapid urease test versus histology for H. pylori detection in children.
- To investigate the association between socioeconomic status and H. pylori infection in paediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 73 children (aged 2-16 years) undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
- Gastric biopsies were analyzed using both rapid urease test and histological examination for H. pylori presence.
Main Results:
- Both diagnostic methods showed substantial agreement in detecting H. pylori.
- H. pylori positivity rates were 57.5% for the rapid urease test and 53.4% for histology.
- Significant predictors of H. pylori infection included large household size (≥6 members) and presence of pets at home.
Conclusions:
- Rapid urease test and histology are reliable methods for diagnosing H. pylori in children.
- Children from larger households and homes with pets have a higher risk of H. pylori infection.
- Further research into socioeconomic determinants of H. pylori infection in children is warranted.
Objective:
The study aimed to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children using two investigative methods: the rapid urease test and histological methods. It also examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and Helicobacter pylori infection.
Design:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the paediatric theatre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana.
Participants:
Children who were scheduled for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were recruited into the study.
Main Outcome Measures:
The presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies was measured using a rapid urease test and histology.
Results:
Seventy-three children aged 2 years to 16 years were seen during the period. Both tests were positive at the same time in 36 (49.3%) out of the 73 children (p<0.0001). The positivity rates for the rapid urease test and histology were 57.5% and 53.4 %, respectively. Significant predictors of the histology presence of H. pylori were a large household size of at least 6 members (AOR: 4.03; p<0.013) and the presence of pets at home (AOR: 3.23; p<0.044).
Conclusions:
Substantial agreement was found between the rapid urease test and histology examination of gastric biopsies for the presence of H. pylori. Children from large households and those with pets at home appear to have increased odds of having H. pylori infection of the gastric mucosa.
Funding:
None declared.
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