Helicobacter pylori in children

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is one of the most frequently encountered bacterial infections worldwide. Although strong epidemiological association exists between Hp infection and duodenal and gastric ulcers and gastric cancer in adults, the clinical spectrum of Hp infection in children is yet to be established. The increasing use of endoscopy as a diagnostic modality in gastroduodenal diseases in children has raised some questions regarding the role of Hp in causing symptoms in children and need for eradication therapy. Despite a variety of protocols, the standard therapy of Hp in children is still undecided. This article discusses the epidemiological and clinical spectrum of Hp infection in children and includes a review of various diagnostic modalities and treatment protocols for this infection.