Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in children in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
BACKGROUND
An association of H. pylori infection with chronic gastritis, peptic ulceration and gastric cancer is known.


METHODS
Prevalence of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in children in the Bloemfontein, South Africa area was studied. Children attending the general pediatric outpatient department at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein were grouped according to age. A minimum of 100 children was investigated in each age group. Baseline demographic and socioeconomic data were collected.


RESULTS
The study showed a high prevalence of H. pylori antibodies. Prevalence increased with age: 13.5% in children 3 months-2 years, 48.5% at 2-5 years, 67.3% at 5-10 years and 84.2% at 10-15 years. Investigation of the socioeconomic data in relation to the prevalence of H. pylori was inconclusive.


CONCLUSIONS
This high prevalence needs further study.
Pelser
H H
HH
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Househam
K C
KC
Joubert
G
G
van der Linde
G
G
Kraaij
P
P
Meinardi
M
M
McLeod
A
A
Anthony
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004064:Digestive System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology
D007074:Immunoglobulin G