Decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children in Poland

Introduction : Previous large studies on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in children in Poland were carried out about ten years ago. Since then an improvement in mean incomes and living conditions allows one to anticipate that the percentage of H. pylori infected children should be decreasing.
Aim : To assess the current prevalence of H. pylori infection among asymptomatic school children from the general population living in the urban area of Upper Silesia (Poland); to assess the impact of environmental factors on the prevalence of H. pylori infection, as well as of the influence of the infection on the anthropometric parameters of children.
Material and methods : 415 children aged 7-15 years (mean: 10.8 years) were examined. Their H. pylori status was diagnosed with the 13C urea breath test. Anthropometric parameters of the children were recorded, and their living conditions and environmental factors were analysed.
Results : Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed in 15.7% of children. There was no difference in the mean age of the infected and the non-infected children (10.88 ±2.33 vs. 10.74 ±2.34, p > 0.05). H. pylori status had no influence on the height, weight, body mass index, or Cole's index in the examined children. Helicobacter pylori positive children had significantly worse living conditions. The mean number of rooms in their flats was significantly lower in the H. pylori positive children (2.78 ±1.21 vs. 3.41 ±1.26; p = 0.00038). Density of the household, defined as the number of family members per room, was significantly higher in the H. pylori positive individuals (1.92 ±1.18 vs. 1.37 ±0.54, p = 0.00079).
Conclusions : The prevalence of H. pylori infection in asymptomatic children in Poland seems to be nowadays lower than previously reported. Poor living conditions constitute an important risk factor of H. pylori infection in children.