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RESEARCH PRODUCT

258 Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Allergic Children

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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 test (H. pylori rapid test Coris BioConcept, Belgium). Statistical analysis: χ2 test, log regression. Results: The total prevalence of H. pylori infection was 7%(10/147). In the univariate analysis H. pylori positivity was significantly lower in allergic children compared to children without allergy: 1.7% (1/58) vs. 10% (9/89): p=0.048; OR 6.4 (CI:0.7-52). H. pylori positivity was significantly associated with a lower educational status of the mother (p=0.01). In logistic regression analysis the variable having allergy did not show significant association with H. pylori infection (p>0.05). Conclusions: Lower H. pylori prevalence observed in children with allergy could rather be associated with some other factors (previous treatment, higher living standards). However, the role of H. pylori in hygienic hypothesis and development of allergic disease should be studied further.