Immunochromatographic detection of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in paediatric patients in Asaba, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori has been implicated as one of the aetiological agents of gastrointestinal infections in children in developing countries. Paediatric patients attending Federal Medical Centre (FM«) and General Hospital (GH) Asaba, Nigeria, were serologically assessed for the infection.Methodology: 100 blood samples were aseptically collected by venepuncture from subjects and controls, and screened for Helicobacter pylori antibodies, using an immunochromatographic assay method.Results: An overall high prevalence rate of 55% was recorded. At the FMC, 8(20%) and 2(20%) prevalence was recorded for subjects and controls respectively, while at the GH, 14(35%) and 4(40%) were seropositive for the subjects and controls respectively.Conclusion: A causal relationship between gastrointestinal complaints and Helicobacter infection as well as asymptomatic carriage of infection amongst children in the study area has been serologically demonstrated. There is urgent need for routine screening of paediatric patients presenting with abdominal pains.