Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that primarily infects the gastric epithelium in humans.

Though the majority of infected individuals are asymptomatic, the bacterium is associated with a range of gastrointestinal diseases, including gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. While the prevalence of H. pylori infection in adults has been extensively studied, less is known about its incidence and prevalence in pediatric populations.

Methods

To better understand the prevalence of H. pylori infection in pediatric populations, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 86 studies conducted between 1990 and 2020 in various countries around the world.

The studies were identified through a literature search of PubMed and Embase databases. Only studies that reported the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children and adolescents 18 and under were included in the analysis.

Results

Based on the meta-analysis, it was found that the overall prevalence of H. pylori infection in pediatric populations was 11.4%.

The prevalence was found to be highest in developing countries, where it was estimated to be 37.7%, compared to developed countries where the prevalence was estimated to be 7.5%. There was also a difference in prevalence rates among different age groups, with the highest rates found in children under 5 years old.

Risk Factors for Infection

Several risk factors were identified in the meta-analysis that were associated with an increased risk of H. pylori infection in pediatric populations. These included:.

Living in a developing country
Living in a crowded household
Poor sanitation and hygiene
Low socioeconomic status

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of H. pylori infection in pediatric populations can be challenging, as many infected individuals are asymptomatic.

The most common diagnostic method is the urea breath test, which involves administering a dose of radioactive urea and measuring the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient.

Treatment of H. pylori infection in children typically involves a course of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor.

Triple therapy, which involves the use of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor, is often recommended as the first line of treatment. In cases where antibiotic resistance is suspected, quadruple therapy may be used.

Prevention

Prevention of H. pylori infection in pediatric populations involves several strategies, including:.

Improving sanitation and hygiene practices
Promoting breastfeeding, as breast milk has been shown to have a protective effect against H. pylori infection
Providing access to clean drinking water
Reducing exposure to infected individuals

Conclusion

Overall, while the prevalence of H. pylori infection in pediatric populations varies depending on factors such as age and geographic location, it remains an important public health concern.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals, as well as targeted prevention strategies, can help reduce the burden of disease caused by this bacterium in children and adolescents.