[Specific aspects of Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood].

Helicobacter pylori, like most enteric infections, usually is acquired in childhood, and is carried for lifetime in the majority of infected individuals. While the infection results in chronic inflammation of gastric mucosa in all infected persons, some individuals will subsequently develop duodenal ulcer, and in some the disease can progress to dysplasia and carcinoma. On the other hand, duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer are not the problems associated with childhood age, and H. pylori associated gastritis does not appear to be the cause of any symptoms in children. However, there are data about the increased risk for developing malignant gastric disorders especially if the infection was long lasting, i.e. was acquired in childhood. The aim of this article is to present the specificity of the infection of Helicobactery pylori in childhood, regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures and the treatment.