Association between infection withHelicobacter pyloriand platelet indices among school-aged children in central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivePrevious clinical studies in adults from developed countries have implicated Helicobacter pylori infections in the development of thrombocytopenia. However, studies in children, particularly those from low-income countries, are unusually scarce. We examined the association between H. pylori infection and platelet indices in young Ethiopian school children.DesignCross-sectional studySettingThis study was conducted in five elementary schools located in central Ethiopia.ParticipantsBlood and stool samples were collected from 971 children across five elementary schools in Ethiopia. H. pylori infection was diagnosed using stool antigen and serum antibody tests, and haematological parameters were measured using an automated haematological analyser. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to mothers provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. The independent effects of H. pylori infection on platelet indices were determined using multivariate linear and logistic regressions.Study outcomesH. pylori-infected children had a lower average platelet count and mean platelet volume than uninfected after adjusting the potential confounders (adjusted mean difference: −20.80×109/L; 95% CI −33.51 to −8.09×109, p=0.001 and adjusted mean difference: −0.236 fL; 95% CI −0.408 to −0.065, p=0.007, respectively). Additionally, H. pylori-infected children had lower red blood cell counts (adjusted mean difference: −0.118×1012/L; 95% CI −0.200 to −0.036, p=0.005) compared with non-infected.ConclusionOur study from a developing country provides further support for an association between H. pylori infections and reduced platelet indices in young Ethiopian school children, after controlling for potential confounders. Further research is needed, particularly longitudinal studies, to establish causality.

<b><i>Helicobacter pylori</i></b> Infection in Africa: Update of the Current Situation and Challenges

“…RUT combined with histology [86] and culture [106] has also been used in the diagnosis of HPI in Cameroon. In Ethiopia, an East African country, reports on the diagnosis of HPI are largely based on serology and SAT [87,88,[107][108][109]. On the other hand, Kenya, a neighboring country, has reports on the use of SAT [89,90], endoscopy, RUT, histol-ogy, and culture [91,110].…”

Frequency of H.Pylori Infection With Correlation To Anthropometric Measures In Children Aged (2-12) years In Zagazig University Hospital

“…who found that a significant difference was found between various WBC quartiles for H pylori infection (P = 0.001).This may be explained by our study was cross sectional study in contrary to their cohort study which enabled them to follow the children properly. Also Baxendell et al [34]. found that H. pylori-infected children had lower red blood cell counts (p=0.005) compared with non-infected .also found that an association between H. pylori infections and reduced platelet indices in young Ethiopian school children.…”

<p>Usefulness of Blood Parameters for Preliminary Diagnosis of Brucellosis</p>

“…33 A second reported that the benefit of MPV as an inflammatory marker to determine the disease activity in TB patients 34 and a third noted a higher MPV in children infected with Helicobacter pylori infection than in healthy controls. 35 Overall, it is thought that during an acute infection such as septicemia the initial increase in MPV level can be related to thrombocytopenia and during chronic or persisted bacterial infection a delayed decline in MPV level can be related to thrombocytosis. 36 Here, we should report some limitations of this study.…”