Helicobacter pylori Infection and Risk Factors in Relation to Allergy in Children.

Purpose: To analyze presence of Helicobacter pylori infection and environmental risk factors among children with and without allergy.

Methods: Parents of children at primary health care centres/kindergartens and allergologist consultation were asked to answer a questionnaire and to bring a faecal sample. H. pylori infection was detected by monoclonal stool antigen test. Prevalence of H. pylori infection and risk factors were compared between individuals with and without allergy using χ2 test, ANOVA test and parameters and logistic regression.

Results: Among 220 children (mean age, 4.7 years; ±standard deviation 2.3 years) H. pylori positivity was non-significantly lower among patients with allergy (n=122) compared to individuals without allergy (n=98): 13.9% (17/122) vs. 22.4% (22/98); p =0.106. In logistic regression analysis presence of allergy was significantly associated with family history of allergy (odds ratio [OR], 8.038; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.067-15.886; p <0.0001), delivery by Caesarean section (OR, 2.980; 95% CI, 1.300-6.831; p =0.009), exclusive breast feeding for five months (OR, 2.601; 95% CI, 1.316-5.142; p =0.006), antibacterial treatment during the previous year (OR, 2.381; 95% CI, 1.186-4.782; p =0.015).

Conclusion: Prevalence of H. pylori infection did not differ significantly between children with and without allergy. Significant association of allergy with delivery by Caesarean section and antibacterial therapy possibly suggests the role of gastrointestinal flora in the development of allergy, while association with family history of allergy indicates the importance of genetic factors in the arise of allergy.