Age at acquisition of Helicobacter pylori infection: a follow-up study from infancy to adulthood

Summary Background Helicobacter pylori infection is common worldwide, but the time of acquisition is unclear. We investigated this issue in a cohort of children selected retrospectively from a population followed up for 21 years. Methods We monitored 224 children (99 black, 125 white; 110 male, 114 female) from 1975-76 (ages 1-3 years) to 1995-96. H pylori status was assessed by presence of serum IgG antibodies. Findings 18 (8.0%) children at age 1-3 years had H pylori antibodies (13% black vs 4% white children, p=0.008). By age 18-23 years, the prevalence of the infection was 24.5% (43% black vs 8% white participants, p Interpretation Most newly acquired H pylori infections happened before age 10 years. Treatment and preventive strategies should be aimed at children in this age-group.