Related Experiment Videos
Seroepidemiological study of Helicobacter pylori infection in infancy
M Ashorn1, A Miettinen, T Ruuska
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Tampere, Finland.
Insights
Most Helicobacter pylori infections are acquired in the first two years of life. Maternal antibodies do not significantly increase the risk of infant H. pylori infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding early-life infection acquisition is crucial for public health strategies.
- The role of maternal transmission in infant H. pylori colonization requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in infants from birth to two years.
- To assess the risk of H. pylori acquisition in infancy due to maternal exposure.
- To identify the primary window for H. pylori infection acquisition in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study analyzing serum IgG class H. pylori antibodies in 195 newborns and their follow-up samples until age 2.
- Cord blood samples were tested for maternal H. pylori antibodies.
- Seroconversion rates were monitored throughout the study period.
Main Results:
- Maternal H. pylori antibodies were detected in 10.6% of newborns, typically disappearing by 7 months.
- No new seroconversions were observed in infants with maternal antibodies.
- 5.1% of initially seronegative infants seroconverted by age 2, indicating new infections.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of H. pylori infections are acquired during the first two years of life.
- Maternal seropositivity is not a direct risk factor for infant H. pylori acquisition.
- Early childhood represents a critical period for H. pylori infection establishment.
Abstract:
The incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in very young children was determined, based on the emergence of specific IgG antibodies in sequential serum samples from birth to 2 years of age. The risk of acquiring H pylori infection in infancy as a result of maternal exposure to the organism was also assessed, based on the determination of maternal cord-blood antibodies. Serum IgG class H pylori antibodies were analysed in the cord blood samples of 195 newborns and in their follow up samples until the age of 2 years. Maternal antibodies were detected in the cord-blood samples of 21 children (10.6%). These antibodies disappeared in all but one child before 7 months of age and no new seroconversions occurred in these children. Ten originally cord-blood negative children seroconverted up to the age of 2 years (5.1%). It is concluded that a major proportion of H pylori infections observed in young adults in Finland are acquired during the first two years of life. Maternal seropositivity is not a straightforward risk factor for acquiring H pylori infection in infancy.