Detection of Helicobacter pylori in children and adolescents using the monoclonal coproantigen immunoassay and its association with gastrointestinal diseases

Background Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pilory) affects 50% of the world population. Simple methods for its detection are now available. Objectives To identify H. pylori by using a monoclonal coproantigen technique in paediatric patients, and to determine its association with gastrointestinal diseases. Materials and methods The study included a total of 110 subjects aged 1 to 18 years. The study variables included: Family history of gastrointestinal disease, age, gender, gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as apparently healthy (asymptomatic) subjects. The monoclonal coproantigen test was performed on stool samples. Two groups, I symptomatic (n = 29), and II asymptomatic (n = 81) were compared using parametric and non-parametric statistics. Results Of the 110 patients, 59 (54%) were male. The relationship between a family history of gastritis and a positive for H. pylori, was significant for mothers (p<0.0005), fathers (p<0.0001), and paternal grandfathers (p<0.0001). It was significant for gastric cancer in maternal grandparents (p<0.0178) and paternal grandparents (p<0.0092). The monoclonal coproantigen test was positive in 31 (28.2%) of the subjects. All were positive in group I, and only 2 in group II. A significant positive association was observed between H. pylori and various signs and symptoms, such as epigastric pain (p<0.001), recurrent peri-umbilical pain (p<0.001), bloating (p=0.016), heartburn (p=0.0007), nausea (P=0.0061), diarrhoea (p=0.0389), and constipation (p=0.0019). Conclusions H. pylori detection, was positive in 28% of both groups, and showed significant relationships with family gastrointestinal diseases and gastrointestinal symptoms.