Serological prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in children with recurrent abdominal pain in Manisa region, Western Turkey

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2002

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Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serological prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in asymptomatic and symptomatic (recurrent abdominal pain) children in Manisa region, Western Turkey. Design: To study the rate of infection by Helicobacter pylori in children, the prevalence of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori was determined. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five symptomatic (25 boys and 30 girls) and one hundred sixty-four asymptomatic (82 boys and 82 girls) children between 3-15 years of age were tested for anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG. Serum samples collected were tested for IgG antibodies against Helicobacter pylori by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using commercial kits. Mean titers >20 U/ml were considered positive for specific IgG antibody. Results: The prevalence of anti-H. pylori IgG antibody was 65.5% in symptomatic and 35.4% in asymptomatic children. The seroprevalence was increased significantly with age in children with recurrent abdominal pain (chi-square= 18.09; p< 0.001). There was a significant difference in the appearance rate of IgG antibodies between asymptomatic and symptomatic children (chi-square= 15.22; p< 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that Helicobacter pylori seropositivity is more common in children with recurrent abdominal pain than in asymptomatic children living in Manisa region, Western Turkey.

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