Helicobacter pylori (IgG) assessment among children (1-14 years old) referred to Shahid Madani children's hospital in 2011-2012

Helicobacter pylori is a microorganism which results in gastritis, peptic ulcer and is associated with GI malignancies. This bacteria has an important role in GI disease. There is not enough data about prevalence of H. P infection among children (1-14 years old) in Lorestan province, so this study performed to determine the sero-prevalence of H. P among children referred to Shahid Madani children's hospital of Khorramabad and risk factors related to it were studied too. This analytical epidemiologic study was carried out during 2011-2012. At first children’s parents were interviewed and after filling a questionnaire and an informed consent. Blood samples were obtained from the children in order to determine serum level of H. P IgG using ELIZA method. Demographic data such as age, gender, mother’s education, father’s job, were recorded in the questionnaire. Then statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. In this research 200 children (1-14 years old) were studied to determine H. Pylori antibody prevalence. The average age of the children was 5. 1 ± 2. 9. 61% of them were male and 39% were female. Based on age, H. Pylori was most common among children aged 10-14 years old (57. 9%) and the least prevalence among children under 1 year old was (16. 7%), and according to Fisher exact test this difference was significant (p=0. 032). Statistical analysis indicated that H. pylori infection prevalence was significantly higher (54. 2%) among low income families (income <2500000 Rials) and this was important (p=0. 006). The prevalence was not significant among children living in cities with those living in villages (p=0. 83). Based on serum levels of antibody of H pilory antibody there is a linear relationship between the prevalence of this infection and age، height and the present weight of the child (p<0. 05). It means that with age, height and weight, the amount of serum antibody of H. pylori increases significantly. H. pylori infection prevalence was significantly higher among low income families (income <2500000 Rials).