Prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection among children living in a rural setting in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori infection affects more than half of the world’s population. It is generally acquired during childhood with no symptoms but has long- term clinical sequelae. This study estimated the prevalence of H. pylori infection amongst children in a rural environment in Africa.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study over a four (4)-month period within two rural communities. 240 asymptomatic children were tested using lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of H. pylori antigen in a fecal specimen. Statistical analysis and processing was done using Stata version 11.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 10.5 ± 2.7 years with the predominant age range being 8–10 years (34.6%), and a mean household size of 7.1 ± 1.7. The study population showed a female preponderance of 57.1%. 88% of the H. pylori positive children lacked pipe and borehole drinking water. All of the positive H. pylori children practiced open-air defecation. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection among children in this study was at least 14.2%.ConclusionOur study demonstrated a high prevalence of H. pylori infection among children in a rural setting. Educational status of parents did not affect H. pylori prevalence but increasing household numbers, female gender, source of drinking water other than pipe and borehole, open-air defecation and younger age were associated with a higher H. pylori prevalence.

Helicobacter pylori infection in children

“…The prevalence of H. pylori , assessed by a HpSA, among 240 asymptomatic children living in a rural setting in sub‐Saharan Africa, was 14.2% . The prevalence of H. pylori assessed by oral swabs using PCR in 162 asymptomatic Mexican children was 13% …”

“…10 The prevalence of H. pylori, assessed by a HpSA, among 240 asymptomatic children living in a rural setting in sub-Saharan Africa, was 14.2%. 11 The prevalence of H. pylori assessed by oral swabs using PCR in 162 asymptomatic Mexican children was 13%. 12 Finally, the intrafamilial transmission of H. pylori was explored in Iranian children who required an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as well as in their parents.…”

Helicobacter pylori and some aspects of gut microbiota in children

“…At the same time studies carried out in nonindustrialized countries still show a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in children (Table ) . Further studies confirmed lower socioeconomic status, poor hygiene practices, lower parental education, and increased number of siblings as risk factors for H. pylori infection . Higher H. pylori positivity among individuals with lower socioeconomic conditions was also identified in a meta‐analysis by Zabala Torres et al .…”

“…In addition, Zabala et al demonstrated that only seroprevalence and not prevalence by direct detection rates, increased with age. At the same time studies carried out in nonindustrialized countries still show a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in children (Table ) . Further studies confirmed lower socioeconomic status, poor hygiene practices, lower parental education, and increased number of siblings as risk factors for H. pylori infection .…”

“…At the same time studies carried out in nonindustrialized countries still show a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in children (Table 1). [6][7][8] Further studies confirmed lower socioeconomic status, poor hygiene practices, lower parental education, and increased number of siblings as risk factors for H. pylori infection. [6][7][8] Higher H. pylori positivity among individuals with lower socioeconomic conditions was also identified in a meta-analysis by Zabala Torres et al 5 Although the preventive effect of breastfeeding on the acquisition of the infection has been previously suggested, the study in Bangladesh did not show protection against H. pylori infection in exclusively breastfed infants by mothers with high breast milk anti-H. pylori IgA antibody levels.…”