Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen in Asymptomatic Children in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSAg) is associated with chronic antral gastritis and peptic ulceration among young children. The major transmission mechanism is most probably fecal-oral infection among children. Study Design: To study the prevalence and associated demographic variables among school children in Lagos, Nigeria. Place of Study: Alimosho and Ajeromi Local Government Areas of Lagos state, Nigeria between months March and September 2014 Methodology: Fecal samples of 185 apparently healthy children aged between 2 and 16 years were collected by randomized stratified sampling with respective constructive and informative questionnaire. Fecal samples were analysed for Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen (HpSAg) using immunoassay test kit for HpSAg. Result: Of the 185 children surveyed, high rate of HpSAg fecal positivity was found among ages 5 to 7 (21.6%) with no association with age group (p=0.149,OR= 0.67, CI=0.142-0.156). Fecal positivity among household population reveal high rate of 49.3% among 6 to 7 number of people living together, significant rate of 44.1% was recorded among the artisan but no association with the number of the people living together (p=0.004, OR=0.0, CI= 0.003-0.040). Significant high positive rate of 46.5% was observed among population that never had water availability (p=0.013, OR=0.0; CI=0.010-0.015) and 73.5% prevalence rate was observed. There is significant association (p <0.05) between HpSAg positivity and closeness of their kitchen and water source while no relationship was observed with household population, constant availability of water, maternal educational level, weight and gender. Conclusion: Prevalence HpSAg among asymptomatic children is high in overcrowded households and in families with low socioeconomic standards.