Clinical differences of Helicobacter pylori infection in children

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is widely spread all over the world. The prevalence of H. pylori infection in the world varies and depends on numerous factors such as age, ethnicity, geographical and socioeconomic status. Humans have been in a symbiotic relationship with this bacterium for thousands of years. However 10-20% of people infected with H. pylori are likely to develop gastroduodenal diseases such as peptic ulcer disease, iron deficiency anemia, gastric mucosal atrophy, metaplasia, dysplasia, MALT lymphoma, or gastric adenocarcinoma. Most of these diseases develop as the infection progresses and they are likely to occur later in life among the elderly. In the following years, the use of modern molecular techniques has led to the discovery of new Helicobacter strains and their genotypic differentiation. Newly discovered Helicobacter microorganisms can colonize human gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts. This article summarizes the distinct features of H. pylori infection in children including its prevalence, clinical manifestation, indications for treatment and recommended schemes of eradication.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; children; clinical presentation; epidemiology; treatment.