Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children: An Uphill Climb

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a worldwide infection and is common in children. Childhood is a crucial stage of life for H. pylori infection because this is when the infection is most commonly picked up. The infection seems to be running in families, also it is transmitted through contaminated water supplies. Once the infection is acquired it almost becomes a chronic infection. The prevalence is different from country to another, and it is more in the developing countries with low socioeconomic levels. The pathogenesis of H. pylori induced diseases differ to some extension in children than in adults. The infection can be asymptomatic, and the symptoms could range from abdominal pain up to peptic ulcer disease. Also, the infection can present with extra gastrointestinal manifestations most commonly iron deficiency anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Investigations for H. pylori include invasive and non-invasive methods and differ in availability and accuracy. There is argument about indications to investigate for and treat H. pylori in the pediatric population and there is mauls of antibiotics for H. pylori in general practice. The goal of this review is to concentrate on the prevalence of H. pylori in the pediatric population especially in developing world, indications for treatment and when to investigate for H. pylori according to the guidelines.