Changing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children and adolescents

Abstract

<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection has declined over recent decades. However, its prevalence remains high, and nearly 50% of the global population has been infected. In Korea, seroprevalence has steadily decreased in adults, but the status of <i>H. pylori</i> infection in children is unknown. The current status or trend of <i>H. pylori</i> infection in children is important because it can help estimate <i>H. pylori</i>-related diseases including gastric cancer in later life. In this review, the authors discuss the change in <i>H. pylori</i> infection rate among children and adolescents based on literature reviews and our research.