Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a world problem. It occurs in children and adults and concerns half population of the whole world and the number of the infected increases on the average by 0.5-1.0% a year. Epidemiologic data related to H. pylori infection in children differ dependently on the country they come from. In literature there is a consensus of opinions as regards the increase of the prevalence of the infection with age. The influence of socioeconomic and hygienic conditions on the prevalence of H. pylori infection has been emphasized. Aim of this study was evaluation of environmental conditions and hygienic habits of children with H. pylori infection. Clinical material: Three hundred and two children, aged 1-18 years (mean 10.1) from Piotrków Trybunalski. Methods: Serum level of anti-H. pylori antibodies IgG class was assessed with ELISA. A questionnaire concerning the socioeconomic conditions of the child’s family, hygienic habits. Results: H. pylori infection was diagnosed in 37% children. Living and sanitary conditions were similar in both groups, but in the H. pylori-negative group the metric area per person was significantly larger. In H. pylori-seropositive children a greater number of adult household members was observed and more families lacking money for covering the cost of living. Infected children significantly less frequently washed their hands before meals, after returning home, using toilet, contact with animals and more frequently ate unwashed fruit, and in this group children used someone else’s toothbrushes. Conclusions: In the families of children with H. pylori infection worse socioeconomic conditions were observed and these children had bad hygienic habits.

Helicobacter pylori, children, environmental conditions, socioeconomic condition, hygienic habits