Consideration of Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood: immune response, endoscopic and morphological findings.

Seventy-five children (aged 9-14 years) infected with Helicobacter pylori were studied endoscopically and morphologically for the signs of infection and immune response by ELISA technique (total IgE and specific IgG against H. pylori); a control group of 36 children (not infected with H. pylori) were studied simultaneously. Helicobacter pylori positive children examined endoscopically revealed a number of mucous membrane changes including erythema, erosions, lymphoid nodular hyperplasia and ulcers. Gastritis was confirmed by histology in 58 children; 6% were termed 'active', others were 'non-active'. When studying the concentrations of anti-H. pylori IgG in children from the control group they were considered to be seronegative but in children infected with H. pylori a considerable increase was noted. An evaluation of the interaction between anti-H. pylori IgG titers and age, endoscopic signs and histology was carried out. Suppositions were made about the presence of links between these characteristics. Children with H. pylori infection showed a considerable increase of total IgE titers in comparison with the control group. The role of IgG and IgE in the development of chronic gastroduodenal diseases associated with H. pylori is discussed.