European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

INCIDENCE AND KEY HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AMONG JORDANIAN CHILDREN

Ola M. Al Waqfi*, Awatef Alkaabneh, Mohammad Moazi Alrwalah, Tasneem Naser AL-Malahmeh, Mohammad Naiel Abdo Al-Jaradat and Mazen Ibrahim Hindi

ABSTRACT

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common condition worldwide, with higher prevalence in developing countries. In children, it is associated with both gastrointestinal and extra-gastric complications, yet data on its prevalence and histopathological impact in Jordanian pediatric populations are limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of H. pylori infection among symptomatic pediatric patients in Jordan, evaluate histopathological findings in gastric biopsies, investigate associations between demographic factors and infection severity, and determine the diagnostic accuracy of stool analysis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Queen Rania AlAbdullah Hospital for Children, including 172 symptomatic patients. Data on age, sex, stool analysis for H. pylori, and gastric biopsy histopathology were collected. Statistical analyses included logistic regression to assess associations and evaluate diagnostic model performance. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 46%, with no significant differences in age, sex, or histopathological findings between infected and non-infected patients. Severe chronic gastritis was observed exclusively in H. pylori-positive patients. Logistic regression revealed no significant association between demographic variables and infection severity but showed high model accuracy (77%) and sensitivity (100%), albeit low specificity. Conclusion: H. pylori infection is prevalent among symptomatic Jordanian children, with histopathological severity not significantly associated with demographic factors. Non- invasive stool testing demonstrated limitations due to high false-positive rates. Improved diagnostic models incorporating additional biomarkers are recommended for accurate identification.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, pediatric gastritis, Jordan, stool analysis, histopathology, diagnostic accuracy.