Seroprevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> and Hepatitis A Virus among Children in Rural Central Taiwan

Abstract

SUMMARY: Helicobacter pylori and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are thought to have similar routes of transmission and epidemiology. This study investigated the seroprevalence of these 2 pathogens among children in rural, central Taiwan. Serum samples were collected from 856 children between 2010 and 2012 and levels of anti-HAV and anti-H. pylori antibodies were measured by ELISA. Questionnaires were used to investigate possible risk factors. The overall H. pylori and HAV infection rates were 6z and 0.8z, respectively. There was a significant difference in H. pylori infection rates (P value＝0.008), but not HAV infection rates, between different age groups. H. pylori infection rates were significantly higher in children whose mothers had lower education levels. In contrast, HAV infection rates were significantly higher in children whose fathers had lower education levels. The risk of HAV infection was also 14.20-fold higher in children whose family members had traveled to China or Southeast Asia. No significant correlation was found between H. pylori and HAV seropositivity. The seroprevalences of H. pylori and HAV were low in rural central Taiwan. Universal HAV vaccination is highly recommended to prevent outbreak due to low seroprevalence.

Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity in Children in Duhok City, Iraq

“…A previous study conducted in Russia, a strong relationship between mother's education level and H. pylori infection rate was found (Malaty et al, 2015). In a study conducted in Taiwan, the lower education levels of mothers were associated with higher infection rates (Wu et al, 2015). In contrast to this, no relationship was found between education level and H. pylori infection in our study.…”

Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection

“…A study linking H. pylori and HAV infection was also conducted in Taiwan; the same authors performed a systematic review of all publications related to these infections in the country. In contrast to the NHANES database analysis, the investigators did not find a significant correlation between H. pylori and HAV seropositivity.…”

“…A small study from Latvia did not demonstrate a decline in H. pylori prevalence in preschool children over a 10-year period; 21 a low prevalence (1.8%-1.9%) was demonstrated in children from Japan, 22 and a higher prevalence (6%) in Taiwan. 23…”

Helicobacter pylori in children

“…The children's family background and lifestyle were also investigated, and consuming meals under low hygiene conditions, sharing towels, receiving prechewed food from mother, formula feeding, and family history of gastrointestinal disease were significantly associated with the risk of infection. Wu et al . investigated the seroprevalence in children (0–15 years of age) who required venipuncture at an hospital in Taiwan.…”