Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity in Kirkuk City Children and its Relationship with Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Serum Magnesium

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic bacterial infection worldwide distribution which infects at least 50% of world's human population. There is evidence that acquisition of H. pylori occur mainly in early childhood. The aims of this study were: A) to evaluate the early diagnosis and the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among children in Kirkuk city by using an immunochromatography method which is rapid, visually read qualitative serologic test for the detection of human IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in the patient’s serum. B) investigation of the probable association of serum magnesium (Mg+2) level with Helicobacter pylori infection in the patients. Blood samples were collected from one-hundred fifty two child patients asses the (60 boy and 92 girls) their age ranged between 1 month-16 years. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed in 33 children (21.71%). The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was an increase with children’s age and there was a significant relationship between seropositivity and vomiting 8 (24.24%), magnesium 7 (21.21%). There was no significant relationship between RAP 24 (72.72%), chronic diarrhea 6 (18.18%) and sex as showed statistically by chi _square (x2). We conclude that high serum magnesium level associated with high risk of infection with H. pylori. Helicobacter pylori infection increases with the children’s age. There was no association between H. pylori infection and the gastrointestinal symptoms (RAP and chronic diarrhea, vomiting was excluded).

Keywords

• pylori
• children
• serum mg