Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in children dependently on age and living conditions

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Gastric Mucosa Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis for Detecting Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Resistance
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Gastric Mucosa Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis for Detecting Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Resistance

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E Czkwianianc1, L Bak-Romaniszyn, E Małecka-Panas

  • 1Dept of Pediatrics, Military Medical University, Lódź, Poland.

Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology : an Official Journal of the Polish Physiological Society
|March 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection prevalence increases with age in Polish children. Higher infection rates were observed in children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with infected family members.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a significant global pathogen.
  • Understanding H. pylori prevalence in pediatric populations is crucial for public health strategies.
  • Pediatric H. pylori infection can lead to long-term gastrointestinal issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children residing in Lódź, Poland.
  • To investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and age in children.
  • To explore the influence of socioeconomic factors and family environment on H. pylori infection rates.

Main Methods:

  • A serological survey was conducted on 240 randomly selected children aged 6 months to 17 years.
  • Serum samples were analyzed for IgG antibodies against H. pylori using ELISA and immunoenzymatic assays.
  • Data on family environment and living conditions were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Overall H. pylori infection prevalence was observed to increase with age.
  • Infection rates were 15% in children under 2 years, 16.6% in ages 3-5, 28.3% in ages 6-10, and 41.6% in ages 11-17.
  • Higher H. pylori prevalence was associated with poorer living conditions and the presence of infected adults within the family.

Conclusions:

  • H. pylori infection is prevalent in children in Lódź, Poland, with a marked increase in prevalence correlating with age.
  • Socioeconomic status and familial H. pylori infection are significant risk factors for pediatric H. pylori infection.
  • Early detection and intervention strategies for H. pylori in children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are warranted.

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