Childhood H. pylori: disappearing disease or chronic infection?

Helicobacter pylori is one of the commonest chronic bacterial infections worldwide. It is acquired during childhood and its persistence has implications for health in later life. In adults, it is the principle cause of duodenal ulcer disease and there is evidence of an association between H. pylori and gastric cancer. However, most colonized people are asymptomatic. The prevalence of H. pylori increases with age but there is a striking difference between the rates in developed and developing countries. As no significant non-human or environmental source for this infection has been identified, person to person spread is almost certainly the main mode of transmission. Community nurses should be aware of this micro-organism as a potential cause of illness in children, and that they can play a role in promoting hygiene practices and educating families so that the risk of acquisition may be reduced. This review discusses the clinical features, prevalence, risk factors for transmission, diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori.