The 13C urea breath test to assess Helicobacter pylori infection in school children.

BACKGROUND: The 13C urea breath test was used in this study to establish it as a diagnostic tool as well as to assess the prevalence of Helicobactor pylori in a group of school children. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a group of 50 children studied, 82% were found to be positive for H. pylori by this test. The influence of diet in modifying the results of the test was also assessed. Relatively small errors were seen if adequate precautions were taken. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological studies are required to further quantify the magnitude of the prevalence of H. pylori in the Indian setting.