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.