258 Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Allergic Children

Background and aims: Studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection could be considered as a protective factor against development of allergic illnesses. The goal of our study was to compare the prevalence of H. pylori infection in allergic patients and children without allergy. Methods: The total patient sample consisted of 147 children aged 1-10 yrs (mean age 5.2): 58 children had allergy diagnosis and 89 were healthy children or children with minor health problems. Parents were asked to bring a faecal samples of the child and to fill out a questionnaire (demographic data, socio-economical factors). Presence of active H. pylori infection was detected by stool antigen…