[Helicobacter pylori infection in children and juveniles: an epidemiological study on prevalence, socio-economic factors and symptoms].
OBJECTIVE
In view of numerous sequelae of a Helicobacter pylori (H.p.) infection and sparse epidemiological data on the infectious status of children and juveniles, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in schools of the Aschaffenburg area. Data were recorded on the number of H.p. infections in pupils aged 14-20 years, the possible influence of various socio-economic factors, and a possible association of the infection with upper abdominal symptoms.


METHODS
In 540 pupils of grade 2 (aged 7-9 years: primary school, n = 183) grade 7 (aged 11-15: primary and secondary schools, n = 177) and grade 12 (aged 16-20 years: vocational or grammar school: n = 180), the presence of H.p. was elucidated with the 13C-urea breath test. An anonymous questionnaire was used to ascertain socio-economic status and any symptoms.


RESULTS
In 51 of the 540 pupils (9.4%) the test for H.p. was positive. The infectious state increased with age, but there was no significant difference between the various age groups. Ethnically German pupils were less often infected (7.1%) than those of foreign origin (28.2%). The number of persons in a household correlated with the H.p. status. Upper abdominal symptoms were more frequently reported by infected children and juveniles and were an independent risk factor for H.p. infection.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the importance of socio-economic factors and the possible association of upper abdominal pain with H.p infection.
Grimm
W
W
Medizinische Klinik II, Klinikum Aschaffenburg, Universität Würzburg.
Fischbach
W
W
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000382:microbiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001944:Breath Tests; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014508:Urea / Q000032:analysis
D014508:Urea
Helicobacter pylori-Infektion bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. Eine epidemiologische Untersuchung zu Prävalenz, sozioökonomischen Faktoren und Beschwerdebild.