Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among preschool children in Latvia: no significant decrease in prevalence during a ten year period

Aims: Published data show a trend of decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Eastern European countries due to socioeconomic changes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection among children in Latvia and to compare these results with previous studies in the same population. The risk factors associated with infection were also analysed. Methods: Preschool children in kindergartens and primary health care centres were investigated using a stool antigen test. Their parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire about possible risk factors. Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi(2) test and linear regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection determined by the monoclonal stool antigen test in children aged 1-6 years (median 5 years) was 15.5% (15/101) (95% confidence interval 8.67-23.48%). In the regression analysis, H. pylori positivity was significantly negatively associated with the consumption of imported fruit at least once per week (p=0.02). Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori in the studied population has not decreased significantly during the last decade and is still associated with socioeconomic factors. The role of some dietary factors (e.g. the consumption of fruit) in the spread of infection should be studied further.