Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque of children and their family members.

Abstract

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the dental plaque of children and their family members. 22 children (age range: 2-12 years; males: 16) admitted to the paediatric ward for various disorders and 17 healthy family members (age range: 7-40 years; males: 9) of 13 of these children were screened for presence of Helicobacter pylori in the dental plaque by the rapid urease test. H. pylori was detected in dental plaque of 82% (18/22) children and 88% (15/17) of family members. In 85% (28/33) of the positive cases the rapid urease test was positive within 1 hour. Our observations indicate that Helicobacter pylori is present in the dental plaque of majority of children and their family members.