Purpose: Helicobacter pylori infection is usually acquired during childhood, although the exact mode of transmission is not fully understood. Seroprevalence is generally higher in children from developing countries relative to developed countries, but the precise reasons for this are not well defined. The US/Mexico border provides an ideal setting in which to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic development and environmental risk factors on H. pylori infection in children. Methods: This study compares seroprevalence in 216 children, aged 9 months to 5 years, living in adjacent communities on the US/Mexico border: El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Seroprevalence was determined by the HM-CAP immunoenzyme assay and information on risk factors was obtained from interviews of mothers. Results: Twenty children (9.6%) were H. pylori seropositive. Children living in Mexico had 2.6 times the unadjusted odds of H. pylori seroprevalence compared to children living in the US. After adjustment for maternal infection status, household crowding, age, availability of an indoor bathroom, and type of septic system, there was no longer an increased odds of infection associated with living in Mexico (adjusted odds ratio=0.8). In the multivariate analysis, the strongest predictor of H. pylori seroprevalence was household crowding (>1 person/room compared to <=1 person/room, adjusted odds ratio=5.1). The prevalence of household crowding was significantly higher in Juarez than El Paso (p<0.01). Conclusion: Household crowding appears to explain most of the increase in H. pylori seroprevalence among children living on the Mexican side of the border.
Learning Objectives: During this presentation, the faculty will discuss: 1. the impact of socio-economic factors on H. pylori seroprevalence 2. the impact of living in a developed vs developing country on helicobacter pylori seroprevalence among children. At the conclusion of this session, the learner will understand the difference between crude and adjusted odds ratios for H. pylori seroprevalence among children living in US and Mexican communities
Keywords: Helicobactor pylori, Communicable Disease
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.