Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Asymptomatic Children in Lagos, Nigeria

Aim: Helicobacter pylori infection is mainly acquired during childhood and is strongly linked with peptic ulcer disease. This study determines the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among school children in Lagos, Nigeria.

Place of Study: Alimosho and Ajeromi Local Government Areas of Lagos state, Nigeria between months March to September 2014.

Methodology: 195 asymptomatic children of aged 2-16 attending public health facility in selected Local Government in Lagos, Nigeria were recruited for the study with descriptive questionnaire. Blood samples of 5 ml were collected into plain bottle and sera obtained were analysed for Helicobacter pylori Immunoglobulin G using DiaSpot H. pylori kit.

Results: Of the 195 children examined for H. pylori IgG, 72.3% were seropositive while highest rate of 72.7% seroprevalence was recorded among children aged 5-7 years. Of seropositive observed among children aged 5-7 years, 37.5% and 62.5% were male and female respectively, while seropositive rate among children age 8-10 years, 51.3% were female and 48.7% male (p=0.055). Seroprevalence rate of 70.1% was observed among the children living in a house with population of 6 -7 people (p=0.076) while significant value of 69.1% and 76.6% were recorded among the children whose parents are traders and middle class employees respectively (p<0.05). Households with no regular potable water supply (never) have higher rate of 70.3% seroprevalence and 73.2% rate was observed among those that sometimes have water for their drinking and domestic use. Seropositive children of 72.5% sometimes buy food from elsewhere while only 73.2% seropositive always buy food from street vendors or other sources outside their home

Conclusion: It could be deduced that while H. pylori is acquired early in life, infection can be asymptomatic and poor standards of living and socioeconomic status can contribute to early infections.