Helicobacter pylori infection in malnourished children in Lagos

Abstract

Background/Aim:Helicobacter pylori infection is acquired in childhood, but there are conflicting reports on malnutrition and the infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection among malnourished children and highlight the socioeconomic (SE) and clinical factors associated with the infection.Methodology:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 122 malnourished children and 120 healthy controls. Anthropometry was done for all the study participants, and the H. pylori status was determined with the use of monoclonal stool antigen test in all the participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors that could predict the occurrence of the infection in the children.Results:Seventy percent (70.8%) of the malnourished children had moderate malnutrition, whereas 29.2% were severely malnourished. The prevalence of H. pylori in the malnourished children was 22.8% compared to 32.5% in the controls (P = 0.09). The infection was most prevalent in toddlers (60.7%). The SE class was significantly related to the infection (P = 0.01) and about a fifth (21.3%) of the malnourished children who belonged to the low SE class were H. pylori positive compared to 9.2% of the controls. About 64.3% of the malnourished children with H. pylori infection had fever and 25.8% had diarrhea. Multivariate analysis showed that stunting was significantly related to the infection (P = 0.02).Conclusion:H. pylori infection was prevalent among the toddlers and was significantly associated with stunting in this cohort of malnourished children. Screening of children for the infection is still advocated, and infected children should be referred for appropriate treatment and follow-up. The relationship between SE class and the infection still requires further research.

Helicobacter pylori Seromarkers in a University Students Population in Central Nigeria

“…On the other hand, the 32.0% stool antigen positivity recorded in this study is higher than the 22.8% reported by Adeniyi et al [31] in malnourished children in Lagos and 23.5% by Enitan et al [22] among students of tertiary institution in Ogun. Nevertheless, higher rates have also been reported.…”

“…It was higher among rural settlers (IgG = 44.4%, Ag = 33.1%) than urban settlers (IgG = 39.4%, Ag = 31.2%). Most studies conducted in Nigeria also reported similar findings [5,12,26,31]. This is no surprise because most Nigerian rural communities are characterized by lack of basic social amenities, poor hygienic environment and low socio-economic status [31,36,39].…”

Prevalence and correlates of Helicobacter pylori infection among under-five children, adolescent and non-pregnant women in Nepal: Further analysis of Nepal national micronutrient status survey 2016

“…Gastric acidity caused by H. pylori can impair iron and vitamin B12 absorption and leads to anemia [8]. Further, among infants and children, the infection has been associated with chronic diarrhea and malnutrition [9,10]. However, H. pylori infection associated as a protective factor for the diseases such as asthma, osteoporosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and esophageal cancer [4,11,12].…”

“…pylori can impair iron and vitamin B12 absorption and leads to anemia[ 8 ]. Further, among infants and children, the infection has been associated with chronic diarrhea and malnutrition[ 9 , 10 ]. However, H .…”

Review: Helicobacter pylori infection in children

“…Studies continue to investigate the association between H pylori infection and stunted growth. Studies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 23 and Lagos, Nigeria, 24 show a correlation between H pylori infection and short stature. Similarly, a large cross‐sectional study carried out in China on 6,896 apparently healthy patients 6‐36 months old determined that H pylori seropositive children were more likely to be vitamin D deficient and had a lower weight and height 25 .…”