Clinical correlates of helicobacter pylori 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 -200C 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 including abdominal pains, (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. Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, children, Nigeria, clinical correlates.