Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+) in the antrum mucosa in children with chronic Helicobacter pylori-related inflammation before and after bacteria eradication.

The authors assessed the expression of cytotoxic CD8 lymphocytes in the antrum mucosa of children with chronic Helicobacter pylori-related inflammation, before and after bacteria eradication. Biopsy specimens of gastric mucosa were evaluated in specimens, collected from 59 H. pylori-positive patients (Group I), 29 patients after H. pylori infection (Group II) and 18 H. pylori-negative children (Group III). The obtained specimens were assessed for infection and inflammation and the expression of CD8+ lymphocytes was estimated, using monoclonal antibodies. The number of CD8+ lymphocytes in the mucosa was counted. The results of the study showed an increase in the expression of CD8+ lymphocytes in children with H. pylori infection, in comparison to the values in children after bacteria eradication. The increased expression of CD8+ lymphocytes correlated with the severity degree of antrum gastritis.