The study of the seroepidemiogical properties of hepatit A and helicobacter pylori infections in childhood

Introduction-Purpose: HAV and H. Pylori infections are an important health problem in developing countries. The seroprevalance of both infections are known to be spread by fecal-oral contact which is the best modes of transmission has a high incidence in populations with poor standards and a low socioeconomic level. The aim of this study is to determine relation of risk factors and the seropositivities of H. pylori, and HAV infections which having shared risk factors among children in our region.Material and Methods: A total of 300 children (157 male (% 52.3) and 143 female(% 47.7))who came to outpatient clinic of department of pediatrics of Duzce University Medical Faculty Hospital, were ranging in age from 6 months to 17 (10.7± 3.39 ) years included to study. Subjects were separated into the three groups according to age. A questionnaire were applied to the family. All serum samples were assayed for H. pylori anti-IgG and anti-HAV antibodies. The results were evaluated statistically.Results: The overall prevalence of H. pylori IgG was 72.7% and that of anti-HAV antibodies was 57.7%. Total anti-HAV and H. pylori IgG was found positive in 49.7 %. There was increase in seroprevalance of HAV and H. Pylori with respect to increasing age. The important risk factors were socioeconomic level, living conditions, family and patient history of jaundice according to seroprevalance of HAV and H. Pylori. The seropositive rates of both HAV and H. Pylori was statistically significant.Conclusions: The increase in H.pylori and HAV seroprevalance rates with respect to increasing age and socioeconomic conditions level supports the fecal-oral transmission of both infections. It must be focus on epidemiologic studies of H.pylori having regard to the prevalance of H.pylori was gradually increasing in developing countries and patients got this infection when they were child. HAV vaccination should be procedure of choice to person who did not get infection after the measuring blood level of HAV antibodies in preschoolers.Key words: HAV, H. pylori, risk factors, seroprevalance