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H. pylori IgG antibodies in children.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to see the exposure rate to H. Pylori (IgG) in apparently healthy children.


METHODS
Serum samples of 100 apparently healthy children aged 6 months to 10 years were screened for IgG antibodies against H. pylori using Abbott's flexpack kit. Children were divided into two groups, group I included aged 6 months to less than 5 years and group II aged 5-10 years.


RESULTS
Of 60 children in group I, 17 (28.3%) showed antibodies against H. Pylori indicating exposure. The exposure rate was 12.5% between 6 months to 11 months, 28.5% in 12 months to 23 months and 38% in 24-36 months. Exposure rate increased with lowering of socioeconomic status; being 13.3% in upper, 26.9% in middle and 42.1% in lower socioeconomic group. Of 40 children aged 5 years to 10 years, 16 (40%) showed H. Pylori antibodies. The exposure rate was 34.3% at years and increased to 62.5% in those aged 8-10 years. The H. pylori positivity was 33.3% in upper and middle socioeconomic group and 62.5% in lower socioeconomic group. Over all exposure rate to H. Pylori in children was 33%.


CONCLUSIONS
H. pylori exposure rate increased with the advancement of age and lowering of socioeconomic status. Early exposure might be related to the use of premasticated food by the mothers for feeding of children; dental plaque being the reservoir of infection in adults.