The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among Egyptian children attending to healthcare facilitates using different diagnostic tools.

The prevalence of H. pylori infection, which has a ubiquitous distribution, varies depending on socioeco- nomic factors and age. in the context of a decreased trend in H. pylori prevalence, at least 50% of the world's hu-man population are carriers of the microorganism, with a prevalence much higher in developing countries than in developed countries. H. pylori infection was evaluated in 286 Egyptian school children, and the overall prevalence was > 72%. Acquisition of the infection occurs mostly in early childhood; therefore, a better understanding of the epidemiology and the risk factors associated with H. pylori infection in the pediatric population is important to clarify the natural history and complications of the infection and programming eradication strategies.

Currently, little data exist regarding the epidemiology of H. pylori associated infection in our region., especially in children. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of H. pylori among children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All children (<18 years) attending healthcare facilities for any reason will be enrolled after informed consent of their parents to participate in the study.

Participants will be recruited from the following sources:

1. Children with non-GI symptoms (ophthalmology, ear, nose, and throat , chest departments .. etc)
2. Children with GI symptoms undergoing upper GI endoscopy (from GI endoscopy units).

Simple questionnaire will be used to collect demographic data, socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and gastrointestinal complaints from parents of all participants before testing for Helicobacter pylori.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients refusing to be enrolled in the study.

2. For any diagnostic test other than serology (stool antigen, rapid Urease test, urea breath test, histopathology) the following patients will be excluded:

   • Children received any antibiotics in the last month
   • Children received bismuth compounds in the last month.
   • Children received proton pump inhibitors in the last 2 weeks.
   • Children presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Egyptian Children aged from 0 years to 18 years old.