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Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Pediatric Asthma in Palestine
Alaa S Hrizat1,2, Amal A Shahin1, Banan M Mafarjeh1,3
1Al-Quds University, Faculty of Medicine, Palestine.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection may protect children against asthma. This study found lower H. pylori prevalence in Palestinian children with asthma, suggesting a potential protective role for the bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and childhood asthma is debated.
- Understanding this association is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and childhood asthma in a Palestinian cohort.
- To determine the prevalence of H. pylori in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case-control study was conducted with 44 children with asthma and 99 healthy controls (aged 6-15 years) in Palestine.
- H. pylori infection was diagnosed using a stool antigen test.
- Logistic regression analyzed the association, adjusting for age and sex.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 45%.
- Children with asthma showed a significantly lower prevalence of H. pylori (32%) compared to healthy controls (51%).
- Antibiotic use did not affect H. pylori status, and infection rates did not correlate with asthma severity.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection appears to be associated with a reduced risk of asthma in children.
- The findings suggest a potential protective effect of H. pylori against childhood asthma.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Purpose:
Significant debate exists on the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and childhood asthma. We aimed to explore this association in a cohort of children in Palestine while estimating the prevalence of H. pylori in this population.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective case-control study among children aged 6-15 years in Palestine, including 44 asthma cases diagnosed by pediatric pulmonologists and 99 age-matched healthy controls recruited through cluster sampling from schools. H. pylori status was determined using a stool antigen test. Asthma severity was assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Data on recent antibiotic use, which could affect H. pylori status, were collected for both groups. Multiple logistic regression analyzed the association between H. pylori and asthma, adjusting for age and sex. The chi-square test assessed the impact of antibiotic use on H. pylori status.
Results:
The prevalence of H. pylori infection in the study population was 45%. Children with asthma had a lower prevalence of H. pylori infection compared to healthy controls (32% vs. 51%, adjusted odds ratios, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.99; p=0.04). Antibiotic use in the past month or year did not significantly impact H. pylori status. Among children with asthma, H. pylori infection rates did not vary by asthma severity (p=0.05).
Conclusion:
H. pylori infection is associated with a reduced risk of asthma in children, suggesting a potential protective role. Further prospective cohort studies are warranted to clarify the mechanisms underlying this association.
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