Prevalence and risk factors ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection in asymptomatic Chinese children: a prospective, cross-sectional, population-based study

Abstract

Summary Background Limited research has been published on current Helicobacter pylori infection rate in asymptomatic children in China. Aim To assess current Helicobacter pylori infection rate, distribution characteristics and risk factors in Chinese asymptomatic children. Methods A prospective, cross‐sectional, population‐based study was performed from 2009 to 2011 in three cities of China. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by a stool antigen test. Multi‐stage cluster random sampling was used to select asymptomatic children including neonates. Socioeconomic details were obtained through a standardised questionnaire. Results Among total of 3491 children (0–18 years), the global infection rate was 6.8% and there were no significant differences between genders. Age specific infection rate between regions was significantly different (P < 0.05). The infection rate significantly increased with age (P for trend <0.01). It was low during the newborn (0.6%) to preschool period and was significantly increased in high school students (13.5%) (P < 0.01). Multivariable regression indicated that hand sanitisation, individually served meals, higher education level of mother, above average living space and residence in urban areas were significantly protective against infection (OR 0.749, 0.698, 0.720, 0.838 and 0.770 respectively). Conversely, consuming meals in unsanitised conditions, sharing towels, receiving pre‐chewed food from the mother, artificial feeding and family history of gastrointestinal disease were significantly associated with the risk of infection (OR 1.200, 1.965, 2.002, 1.071 and 2.093 respectively). Conclusions Helicobacter pylori infection rate increases with age in Chinese asymptomatic children and is common after 10 years of age. The rate of infection is related to socioeconomic status.

Helicobacter pylori in children

“…They tested 3251 high‐school students (16 or 17 years of age) with a rapid urine antibody test from 2007 to 2013 and revealed positive rates ranging from 3.0% (2011) to 7.6% (2008), with a total positive rate of 4.2%. In China, Ding et al . performed a prospective, cross‐sectional, population‐based study from 2009 to 2011 using SAT.…”

“…T A B L E 1 Prevalence of H. pylori infection in children and adolescentsDing et al9 However, higher prevalence of H. pylori infection may be a surrogate marker for host demographics that could confer protection against allergy. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Castano-Rodrigues et al16 investigated the relation between H. pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease.…”

High prevalence and low spontaneous eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori infection among schoolchildren aged 7–12 years

“…The high prevalence in developing countries resulted from low socioeconomic status, poor household condition and sanitation . The economic boom in China has led to improved living standards and health awareness in recent years and one study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori decreased and the associated risk factors changed in China .…”

Gastric adenocarcinoma: the role ofHelicobacter pyloriin pathogenesis and prevention efforts

“…Lifestyle changes and sanitation habits influenced the rate of infection. Common practices including feeding prechewed food to the baby, past history of gastrointestinal disease in family members and sharing towels were associated with the transmission of H. pylori , while improved sanitation, higher education levels of family members and urban housing with above-average living space were inversely associated with infection 20. Western industrialised countries typically have the lowest rates (approximately 30%), while low/middle-income countries have the highest, up to 80% 8.…”