Incidence of Helicobacter Pylori Antibodies in subjects with Down Syndrome
Pinella Failla, Rosa Pettinato, Concetta Barone, and Corrado Romano
The Helicobacter pylorus (HP) is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the antral portion of the stomach. It is the major aetiological agent responsible for chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disorders. This bacterium is widespread within the adult population (36.9%-53%), and the incidence of infection is positively correlated with age (6-20% in paediatric populations of Western Europe). The higher frequency among subjects with immunodeficiency and poor hygienic conditions has been pointed out. People with Down syndrome show higher susceptibility to this infection. The present study deals with the serological assay of IgG antibodies to HP in subjects with Down syndrome. We evaluated 77 subjects with Down syndrome, sex ratio M:F, 1:3, aged 1 to 40.7 years (mean 13.5). All were assayed for IgG antibodies to HP by the ELISA method. Subjects were separated into two groups according to age. The first group was made up of 46 subjects aged up to 14 years, and the second group contained 31 subjects over 14 years of age. Nine subjects (19.5%) in the first group and 16 subjects (51.6%) in the second group showed an antibody titre compatible with HP infection. The incidence in the whole sample of 77 subjects with Down syndrome was 32.4%. Therefore, people with Down syndrome do not seem to show a higher susceptibility to HP infection.
Failla, P, Pettinato, R, Barone, C, and Romano, C. (1998) Incidence of Helicobacter Pylori Antibodies in subjects with Down Syndrome. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 5(3), 117-119.