HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION IN CHILDREN

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a pathogen of human gastric mucosa and is considered as the major cause of chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer disease recurrence, The prevalence rate of Hp infection increases with age and is related to low socioeconomic status in childhood. Childhoo d appears to be a high-risk period for Hp infection. Clinical and hist ological features of Hp infection are variable and often moderate in c hildren. This is probably due to both genetic and environmental factor s. Abdominal pain is the most frequent symptom and is usually associat ed with a mild chronic gastritis. Serology, C-13-urea breath test, bac terial culture and histological examination of biopsy specimen can be used for the diagnosis of Hp infection. Eradication of Hp infection is difficult and indications and modalities of treatment need to be spec ified in children. A better knowledge of epidemiology and natural hist ory of Hp infection in childhood should permit to answer these questio ns.