Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among children aged 7 to 18 years old: a school-based cross-sectional study in Minhang district of Shanghai in 2014

Abstract

To study the infection rate and current infection rate of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) among children aged 7 to 18 years old in Minhang district of Shanghai. A school-based cross-sectional study in three elementary and middle schools (with students aged 7 to 18 years old) in Minhang district of Shanghai was conducted. A total of 1 988 students were investigated by questionnaire and non-invasive tests. The positive rate of serum Hp-IgG or (13)C urea breath test was the basis for calculation for Hp infection rate. The positive rate of (13)C urea breath test was the basis for current infection rate. The relationship between infection rate and age was studied through Spearman rank correlation analysis. The consistency of the two diagnostic methods was determined using kappa value analysis. A total of 1 988 subjects were included in the analysis: 944 males and 944 females. The Hp infection rate was 36.3%(721/1 988). Current infection rate was 32.1%(625/1 949). Hp infection rates of primary (7-12 years old), junior (13-15 years old), high school group (16-18 years old) were 27.4% (223/813), 33.6% (93/277), 45.1% (405/898) respectively. Hp infection was associated with age, with a correlation coefficient of 0.167 (P<0.001). The kappa value of the serum Hp-IgG and (13)C Urea breath test was 0.67. Hp infection rate among children aged 7 to 18 years old in Minhang district of Shanghai is 36.3%, with the infection rate increasing with age. Serum Hp-IgG and the (13)C urea breath test are two detection methods each of which has advantages and disadvantages.