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The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori-positive serology in asymptomatic children
U Blecker1, B Hauser, S Lanciers
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Academic Children's Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Belgium.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 7.3% of asymptomatic Belgian children using serology. Positivity increased with age, reaching 13.4% in older children, and varied by ethnicity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori infection is common globally.
- Serological testing is a validated, noninvasive method for H. pylori detection.
- Understanding prevalence in asymptomatic children is crucial for clinical relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in asymptomatic children in Belgium.
- To investigate age- and ethnicity-related differences in H. pylori seropositivity.
- To inform future research on H. pylori's role in pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for H. pylori antibodies was performed on blood samples.
- A cohort of 466 asymptomatic children (ages 2-14) undergoing elective surgery was studied.
- Data were analyzed for prevalence, age groups, and ethnic background.
Main Results:
- Overall H. pylori seropositivity was 7.3% (34/466 children).
- Prevalence significantly increased with age: 5.4% (2-8 years) vs. 13.4% (8-14 years) (p < 0.001).
- Significant differences in prevalence were observed between Caucasian Belgian and non-Caucasian children.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection is prevalent in asymptomatic Belgian children, particularly older ones.
- Age and ethnicity are significant factors influencing H. pylori seropositivity in this pediatric population.
- Findings highlight the need to consider H. pylori in pediatric abdominal complaints.
Abstract:
Epidemiologic data are presented about the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori positivity as determined by serology in a large series of asymptomatic children (n = 466). Serology is now generally accepted as a valid noninvasive screening method for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection. Blood samples were taken from 466 apparently healthy children (ages 2-14 years) who were admitted to our pediatric 1-day clinic for elective surgery. The children originated from different ethnic backgrounds. All were born in Belgium and have been living there ever since. Thirty-four (7.3%) had positive titers for Helicobacter pylori. There was a significant increase in the number of positive patients with advancing age (5.4% in the age group 2-8 years and 13.4% in the age group 8-14 years; p < 0.001). We also found a significant difference in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori positivity between Caucasian Belgian children and non-Caucasian children of different ethnic backgrounds. This relatively high prevalence of positive serology in asymptomatic older children (13.4%) should be considered in studies on the incidence or causative role of Helicobacter pylori in children with chronic abdominal complaints.