Epidemiological Aspects of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Children in Brazzaville

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Brazzaville, to describe the epidemiological characteristics of infected children and to identify the factors favoring contamination. Patients and Methods: cross-sectional and analytical study for seven months in health centers in Brazzaville, based on the detection of the fecal antigen of Helicobacter pylori by qualitative immunochromatography from the stools of children whose age was between 2 and 17 years old. Results: The prevalence of helicobacter pylori infection in children was 38.36%. The female sex was predominant with a sex ratio of 1.76.The mean age of the children was 8.4 ± 4.39 years (range: 2 and 17 years). Children living in district 3 (Poto-Poto) were the most infected (P <0,000). Children between 5 and 9 years of age and those with primary education were the most infected ((P <0.05). The factors favoring contamination of Hp infection were the place of residence (p = 0.00), the age between 5-9 years (P <0.05), the age of the guardian between 35-44 years (P <0.03), the traditional type of latrine (P <0.05), the absence of hand washing before and after meals and after going to the toilet (p <0.05). Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori infection is common in children in Brazzaville. It is mainly the prerogative of young children. Factors favouring contamination are place of residence, age between 5-9 years, guardian’s age, type of latrine and lack of hand washing.