The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, age of acquisition and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) among asymptomatic children. 13C-urea breath tests and questionnaires were obtained from 142 children and 40 parents. The prevalence of H. pylori was 19%. H. pylori positivity was higher in children with a positive parent (p=0.003) and independently inversely related to antibiotic treatment during the previous year in preschool children (p = 0.045).
Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori in children in Riga is higher than that in Western countries, but lower than that in Eastern European countries. H. pylori is present during the second year of life and is influenced by parental H. pylori status and previous treatment with antibiotics.