Medical Journal of Australia
Volume 189, Issue 8, 2008, Pages 438-441

The epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in African refugee children resettled in Australia (Article)

Cherian S. , Forbes D. , Sanfilippo F. , Cook A. , Burgner D.*
  • a University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, WA, Australia
  • b University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, WA, Australia
  • c University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
  • d University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
  • e University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, WA, Australia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated epidemiological features of Helicobacter pylori infection in child refugees in Western Australia. Design and participants: Cross-sectional study of 193 eligible African refugee children (aged < 16 years) at their initial health assessment after resettlement in Australia between 1 February and 30 November 2006. Main outcome measures: (i) Prevalence of H. pylori infection determined by monoclonal faecal antigen enzyme immunoassay testing (MFAT); (ii) associations of H. pylori infection with epidemiological factors (age, sex, transit through refugee camps, comorbidities and treatment interventions). Results: MFAT was performed in 182 of the 193 children; 149 of these 182 (82%) had H. pylori infection. Age was an independent predictor of H. pylori infection (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.31). No sex differences were observed. Premigration antimalarial therapy (with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and artesunate) significantly reduced the prevalence of H. pylori infection (age-adjusted OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.15-0.75). Conclusion: African refugee children have a high prevalence of H. pylori infection. Increasing age is a strong predictor of infection and antimalarial treatment may have a protective effect.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Antigens, Bacterial refugee Australia human sex difference Refugees comorbidity controlled study Malaria artesunate Logistic Models Cross-Sectional Studies cross-sectional study Humans male female Albendazole prediction Child, Preschool Helicobacter infection Africa Western Australia prevalence Article infection prevention major clinical study Helicobacter Infections migration Helicobacter pylori age helminthiasis Immunoenzyme Techniques fansidar enzyme immunoassay Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-56349095437&partnerID=40&md5=961cb835e2595bd00317a5bb931bbf2c
ISSN: 0025729X
Cited by: 19
Original Language: English