Helicobacter pylori Infections in Children

Abstract

In the context of epidemiology, host response, disease presentation, diagnosis, and treatment management, the manifestation of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection diverges between children and adults. H. pylori infection stands out as one of the most prevalent bacterial infections globally, and its prevalence in both children and adults is decreasing in many developing countries but some still struggle with a high prevalence of pediatric H. pylori infection and its consequences. The majority of infected children are asymptomatic and pediatric studies do not support the involvement of H. pylori in functional disorders such as recurrent abdominal pain. The pathophysiology of H. pylori infection relies on complex bacterial virulence mechanisms and their interaction with the host immune system and environmental factors. This interaction gives rise to diverse gastritis phenotypes, which subsequently influence the potential development of various gastroduodenal pathologies. In clinical settings, the diagnosis of this infection in childhood requires an upper gastrointestinal endoscopic exam with mucosal biopsy samples for histology and culture, or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) at the very least. When warranted, eradication treatment should be given when good compliance is expected, and there should be systematic use of a treatment adapted to the antimicrobial susceptibility profile. To combat the burgeoning threat of multidrug resistance, vigilant surveillance of resistance patterns and strategic antibiotic management are paramount.

Recalcitrant intussusception: exploring potential associations with Helicobacter pylori infection - a case report and literature review

“…Household transmission, including oral-to-oral, fecal-oral, and gastrointestinal routes, is the primary mode. Approximately 90% of H. pylori infection cases are asymptomatic [4], but its association with recurrent intussusception remains unexplored to date. Furthermore, there have been no reported cases of untreated H. pylori infection deteriorating to the extent of causing HSP, which subsequently leads to intractable intussusception.…”

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity and gastroprotective effects of human stomach-derived Lactobacillus paragasseri strain LPG-9

“…The idea of using gastric probiotics to treat gastric disease is of great clinical value in addressing H. pylori -induced gastritis in the future. Approximately 30% of children are infected with H. pylori , 22,23 and an increasing number of reports have shown that H. pylori infection affects pregnancy outcome; 24 however, the choice of antibiotics for children and pregnant women is limited. Additionally, in older adults, the use of antibiotics often leads to severe intestinal flora imbalance.…”