Campylobacter pylori infection in children.

Two children with antral nodular hyperplasia and active chronic gastritis associated with Campylobacter pylori are reported. The organism was observed by scanning electron microscopy and cultured from antral biopsies obtained at endoscopy from each patient. Anti-C. pylori IgG was detected in high titre in both patients together with serum IgM in one patient. Treatment with ampicillin and a bismuth preparation resulted in total resolution of symptoms. Repeated endoscopy with antral biopsy and culture, as well as the absence of acute inflammatory changes, confirmed the eradication of the organism. Correlation of positive bacteriological cultures and serological tests with the clinical improvement related to therapy supports a causative role for C. pylori in antral lymphoid hyperplasia and antral gastritis in children.