Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among children in Rasht, northern Iran

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection usually occurs during childhood, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection among children in primary schools of Rasht, a northern Iranian city. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 961 primary school students in Rasht. Samples were randomly selected and stored at -20°C until analysis. The stool assay was performed using the HP AgT kit. Overall 475 boys and 486 girls, aged 7 to 11 years were evaluated. A total of 384 [40%] children were diagnosed as H. pylori positive by the stool test. A higher prevalence of H. pylori was found in the stools of individuals who consumed well water and municipal tap water when compared to boiled water [p<0.05]. There was no significant difference between the rate of H. pylori infection and individuals' ages, gender or socioeconomic levels. The results of this study suggest that the source of drinking water may play a role in transmission of H. pylori. Transmission can be minimized with the use of boiled or mineral water