Serologic prevalence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in internationally adopted children.
BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been linked to gastritis, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, failure-to-thrive, anemia, as well as predisposition to gastric malignancies. Because many internationally adopted children have diarrhea, failure-to-thrive, and anemia on arrival to the US, we determined the prevalence of HP antibodies among these children.


METHODS
Serum samples from 226 unselected children from 18 countries who were evaluated in the International Adoption Clinic at New England Medical Center were tested for antibodies to H. pylori. The results of serologic screening were analyzed in relation to age at adoption, site of residence prior to adoption, weight and height, and the presence or absence of anemia, diarrhea, or intestinal parasites.


RESULTS
31% of internationally adopted children had antibodies to H. pylori. The presence of H. pylori-antibodies was associated with residence in an orphanage (vs. foster care) prior to adoption, older age at adoption, and coinfection with intestinal parasites. No direct effects on height or weight were identified; no associations with diarrhea or anemia were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Internationally adopted children have a high incidence of exposure to H. pylori, as diagnosed serologically. Residence in an orphanage (compared with foster care), older age at adoption, and coinfection with intestinal parasites were more common among children seropositive for anti-H. pylori antibodies.
Miller
Laurie C
LC
Department of Pediatrics, The Floating Hospital for Children, New England Medical Center, 750 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Kelly
Natasha
N
Tannemaat
Martijn
M
Grand
Richard J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000300:Adoption; D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000453:epidemiology; D005581:Foster Home Care; D014943:Global Health; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology; D012383:Romania / Q000208:ethnology; D012426:Russia / Q000208:ethnology; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial