Detection of <i>H. pylori</i> Antigen in the Stool Samples of Children, in Tekirdag, Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) is an important bacterial pathogen, predominantly in undeveloped countries and regions. We conducted this study to investigate the presence of H. pylori antigen in the stool specimens of children, in Tekirdag, Turkey. Material and Methods: Stool specimens of 1441 children aging between 0 month to 15 years, with the complaints of abdominal pain, anemia, gastroenteritis, nausea and vomiting were included in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups based on their ages: Group A (0 month - 5 years), Group B (6 - 10 years) and Group C (11 - 15 years). All specimens were tested for H. pylori antigen with HP Ag (DIA.PRO, Diagnostic Bioprobes, Italy). Results were evaluated statistically. Results: The median age of children with H. pylori positive samples was 6.6 ± 4.1 and 47.9% were girls. Overall positivity of H. pylori stool antigen was 6.6%. Positivity rates due to ages in Groups A, B and C were: 8.9%, 5.8%, 5.2% respectively (x2 = 9.3, p = 0.01). No difference was observed due to gender (x2 = 0.17, p = 0.68). Conclusion: Higher antigen positivity obtained in 0 - 5 years group, indicates the risk of acquiring the infection in early years of life. Preventive measures for the development of H. pylori infection gain importance, especially in developing countries.