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The environmental factors and Helicobacter pylori infection in children

Leokadia Bąk-Romaniszyn, Izabela Mękarska-Paradowska, Izabela Płatecka-Małecka

Med Sci Tech 2009; 50(3): RA127-130

ID: 881677


Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a world problem. It occurs in children and adults and concerns half population of the whole world. In developing countries H. pylori infection concerns from 80 even to 100% of the population and in countries of high level of economic development oscillates from 20 to 50%. The aim of the study was the evaluation of environmental conditions and hygienic habits of children with H.pylori infection. Material and methods: 302 children, aged 0,25-18 years (mean 10,1+/-5,3), 166 girls and 136 boys. A questionnaire concerning the socioeconomic conditions of the child’s family, hygienic habits, bacterial and parasitic infections. Serum level of anti-H.pylori antibodies IgG class was assessed with ELISA. Results: H.pylori (Hp+) infection was diagnosed in 37,1% of children. Living and sanitary conditions (ere similar in both groups: 54,6% children lived in apartments, 43,4% in houses and 2% in a tenement. In the group of H.pylori-seropositive children a greater number of adult household members was observed, even 9 (p<0,05). However, in the Hp-group the metric area per person was significantly larger (p<0,01). In 87,4% investigated subjects economic conditions were determined to be good, in 3,6% to be bad (Hp+ vs. Hp- NS), but in Hp+ group there were more families lacking money for covering the cost of living (rent, drugs). Infected children significantly less frequently washed their hands before meals than non-infected children (57,7% vs. 69,9%, p<0,05) as well as after returning home, using toilet, contact with animals, and more frequently ate unwashed fruit (28,6%vs.11,1%, p<0,001). Family history of peptic ulcer disease was observed more often in children Hp(+) than Hp(-) (29% vs.15,8%, p<0,05). Conclusions: In the families of children with H.pylori infection low socioeconomic conditions were observed and these children had bad hygienic habits. (Clin Exp Med Lett 2009; 50(3):127-130)

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, children, environmental conditions, hygienic habits

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