Open AccessPrevalence of Helicobacter pylori in HIV‐infected, HAART‐naïve Ugandan children: a hospital‐based survey
Author(s) -
Hestvik Elin,
Tylleskar Thorkild,
Ndeezi Grace,
Grahnquist Lena,
Olafsdottir Edda,
Tumwine James K,
KadduMulindwa Deogratias H
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of the international aids society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.724
H-Index - 62
ISSN - 1758-2652
DOI - 10.1186/1758-2652-14-34
Subject(s) - medicine , helicobacter pylori , colonization , transmission (telecommunications) , pediatrics , immunology , electrical engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , engineering
Background The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) colonization in HIV‐infected, highly active antiretroviral therapy‐naïve Ugandan children aged 0‐12 years. Methods In a hospital‐based survey, 236 HIV‐infected children were tested for H. pylori colonization using a faecal antigen test. A standardized interview with socio‐demographic information and medical history was used to assess risk factors. A cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell percentage was prevalent in most children. Results The overall prevalence of H. pylori in the HIV‐infected children was 22.5%. Age‐specific prevalence was as follows: up to one year, 14.7%; 1‐3 years, 30.9%; and 3‐12 years, 20.7%. HIV‐infected children who were more seriously affected by their disease (low CD4 cell percentage or WHO clinical stage II‐IV) were less likely to be colonized with H. pylori . There was a trend for a lower prevalence of H. pylori in children who had taken antibiotics for the preceding two weeks (21.6%) than in those who had not taken antibiotics (35.7%). There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence by gender, housing, congested living, education of the female caretaker, drinking water or toilet facilities. Conclusions HIV‐infected, HAART‐naïve Ugandan children had a lower prevalence of H. pylori colonization compared with apparently healthy Ugandan children (44.3%). Children with a low CD4 cell percentage and an advanced clinical stage of HIV had an even lower risk of H. pylori colonization. Treatment with antibiotics due to co‐morbidity with infectious diseases is a possible explanation for the relatively low prevalence.