Associations Between Helicobacter pylori Infection, Co-Morbid Infections, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Circulating Cytokines in African Children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Refugee children have complex medical needs and often have multiple infections. The relationship between infection, gastrointestinal symptoms, and systemic inflammation is poorly understood. We investigated these parameters in refugee children with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, helminth, and malaria infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: African refugee children were recruited at resettlement health screening. Data were collected on demography, gastrointestinal symptoms, co-morbid infection, and serum for peripheral cytokine levels. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by a fecal-based immunoassay. RESULTS: Data from 163 children were analyzed, of which 84.0% were p..