Clinical correlates of <i>helicobacter pylori</i> infection in children seen at a Tertiary Hospital in Uyo, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection is the commonest global chronic human bacterial infection. Data from developed countries show that acquisition occurs in childhood but manifestation of chronic gastroduodenal diseases occur more commonly in adulthood. H. pylori infection has however been associated with paediatric primary peptic ulcer disease, though data is rather scanty. There is virtually no data on the clinical correlates of the seropositive Nigerian paediatric subjects though the little data available shows higher prevalence rates compared to that of children from developed countries. Objectives: A prospective observational survey was carried out to determine the clinical correlates of H. pylori infection in ill children admitted in the emergency unit of our department. Methods: H. pylori Immunoglobulin G antibody was determined from serum samples stored at-20 0 C using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, VicTorch. Data was analysed with using SPSS and correlates determined as appropriate. Results: The subjects were 132 (57.4%) males and 98(42.6%) females (male: female ratio= 1.3:1.0) with an age range of 0.5-15 years and a mean age of 5.0 (SD±4.0) years. The overall seroprevalence rate was 30.9%. Clinical features includ ing ab do minal p ains, (p=0.001), fetor oris, (p=0.0001), diarrhoea (0.041) and family history of dyspepsia (p=0.002), showed significant association with seropositivity. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in Nigerian children is high and is associated with common gastroduodenal symptoms.

Role of &lt;i&gt;Helicobacter pylori&lt;/i&gt; Infection in Recurrent Abdominal Pain of the Child in Brazzaville

“…Children using latrines and especially chamber pots were the most infected in both study populations with a statistically significant association (OR = 2.37; p < 0.02). Etukudo et al in Nigeria made the same observation [22]. This result, which can be superimposable on our own, can be explained by the precariousness of households in some African countries.…”

Helicobacter pylori infection in malnourished children in Lagos

“…The effect of age on H. pylori infection appears to have been well studied in apparently well children in Nigeria 22526. In Northern Nigeria, an increasing prevalence with increasing age was observed by Holcombe et al 26.…”

Seroprevalence and determinants of Helicobacter pylori infection among asymptomatic under-five children at a Tertiary Hospital in the South-Western region of Nigeria

“…Ikpeme et al32 in Uyo, Nigeria reported an association between H. pylori seropositivity and a family history of dyspepsia. This association probably corroborates the causative role of H. pylori in dyspepsia and possible intra-family spread of the organism which was also observed by Osaki et al33 and Nahar et al34 in Japan and in Bangladesh respectively.…”