Co-infection of Helicobacter pylori and Giardia intestinalis in children with recurrent abdominal pain

Recurrent abdominal pain is one of the common complaints in childhood. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori and giardiasis in children with recurrent abdominal pain and to investigate some risk factors in both infections. In a case-control study 50 symptomatic children and 50 healthy children at Pediatric Center in Zahedan, Iran from 2014-2015 were enrolled. All cases had gastric complaints and undergone endoscopy. Children in both groups were examined for detecting H.pylori stool antigen and presence of giardia infection by direct examination of stools. Risk factors were recorded in both groups by a questionnaire. 100 children with the age of 6.2 ± 3.7 (58 female) were included. H.pylori stool antigen was positive in 32(64%) cases and 10 (20%) in control group which showed significant differences. Also, endoscopic antral gastritis with colonization of helicobacter pylori were found in 46 cases (92%). Giardiasis was detected in 12% patients and 6% controls, respectively. Co-infection with H. pylori and giardiasis was present in 8% of patients compared to 2% of controls. There was no difference between groups regarding some risk factors except more using common bed in cases. Co-infection with H.pylori and giardiasis was more frequent in children with recurrent abdominal pain compare to control group. More attention to hygienic conditions in the community is recommended