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[A serological study on the infection of Helicobacter pylori among children]
Insights
This study found higher anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG in children with stomach pain than in controls. Antibody levels don't correlate with infection severity, but infection risk increases with age in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common cause of gastrointestinal issues in children.
- Understanding H. pylori prevalence and diagnostic markers in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of anti-H. pylori IgG and IgM antibodies in children experiencing recurrent midepigastric pain.
- To compare antibody levels between symptomatic children and healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between antibody levels, infection severity, and disease duration.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was employed to detect anti-H. pylori IgG and IgM antibodies.
- Sera were analyzed from 181 children (aged 2-14 years) with midepigastric pain and 152 age-matched controls.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare positive rates between groups.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher positive rate of anti-H. pylori IgG was observed in patients (53%) compared to controls (34.6%-35%) (P < 0.05).
- Anti-H. pylori IgG presence aids diagnosis but doesn't confirm active H. pylori infection.
- No clear correlation was found between antibody levels (IgG/IgM) and H. pylori infection degree or disease duration.
- H. pylori infection prevalence in children increases with age, with older children showing rates similar to adults.
Conclusions:
- Anti-H. pylori IgG is a useful diagnostic indicator in children with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- H. pylori infection is age-dependent in children, necessitating targeted eradication strategies.
- H. pylori eradication efforts should encompass both pediatric and adult populations.
Abstract:
Using ELISA method, anti-H. pylori IgG and IgM were detected in 181 sera from patients (aged 2-14 years) complaining of repeated midepigastical pain and 152 sera of controls. The positive rate of anti-H, pylori IgG in the patients was 53%, significantly higher than those of control groups (34.6%-35%), (P < 0.05). The presence of anti-H. pylori IgG in serum can assist in the diagnosis of H. pylori, but can not indicate the existence of H. pylori. There were no evident relationships between level of antibodies (anti-H. pylori IgG and IgM) and the degree of H. pylori infection, or the duration of disease. Children's H. pylori infection increases with age. Elder children have the same positive rate of anti-H. pylori IgG as adults. Hence, eradication of H. pylori infection should be focused not only on adults but also on children.