The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) positive Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains in children with gastric diseases and to examine the relationship between the presence of CagA positive strains and the intensity of morphological and clinical changes. A group of 214 children with gastrointestinal complaints comprised the study group. They underwent endoscopic evaluation; mucosal biopsy specimens from these patients were examined by pathologists, by the CLO-test and by MPCR method to determine CagA status.

Keywords: gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, cytotoxin-associated gene A, children