Helicobacter pylori in children: Risk factors and diagnosis of infection in the family members.

This article focuses on identifying the main risk factors and the role of family transmission in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among children in Cuba. A cross-sectional study of 165 children under 19 years and 502 cohabitants found infection rates of 43.6% and 27.4%, respectively, with male sex, living in rural areas, and having infected cohabitants—particularly siblings and grandparents—being significant risk factors. The findings highlight the importance of the family environment and rural living conditions in the transmission of H. pylori, suggesting that prevention and eradication strategies should consider household infection status and local socio-demographic factors. The study underscores the need for tailored approaches to H. pylori management in pediatric populations within specific geographic and familial contexts.