Abstract
Introduction: The infection by Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacillus, is more prevalent in developing countries, and more often among younger people, reaching up to 10% of the population compared to only 0.5% in the more developed world. Generally, H. pylori is asymptomatic in children. This study aimed to detect H. pylori antigen among displaced children in Port Sudan city camps in 2024.
Methods: The study was descriptive, and between April and June 2024, 50 symptomatic and asymptomatic displaced children aged between 5 and 15 years old in camps in Port Sudan City were screened for H. pylori antigen in the fecal specimens. An immunochromatographic test (ICT) was used for the screening tests. Information about the participant’s demographics and clinical status was obtained from each participant using a written questionnaire, and a suitable amount of stool specimens was collected.
Results: In our study, the total number of participants was 50 symptomatic and asymptomatic children; 58% (29/50) were boys and 42% (21/50) were girls; the prevalence of H. pylori was 46% (23/50); the age group and year were (5-8), (9-12), (13-15); and the percentage of infected participants were 47.8% (11/23), 26.1% (6/23), and 26.1% (6/23) respectively. The percentage of infected symptomatic participants was 47.8% (11/23) and that of asymptomatic participants was 52.2% (12/23). No significant association was found between genders, age group, clinical status, and H. pylori infection; P values were (0.340), (0.359), and (0.057), respectively.
Conclusion: In our study, we found a high prevalence of H. pylori (46%) among displaced children in camps in Port Sudan City. This high prevalence may be due to overcrowding in camps, poor hygiene, a lack of clean water sources, and the consumption of contaminated food.