Factors associated with Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance in a US pediatric cohort

Objectives: The rising rates of Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial resistance highlight the importance of better understanding its epidemiology in the pediatric population. We aim to study the epidemiological factors associated with antimicrobial resistance in a cohort of US children with H. pylori infection. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients in the New England region of the United States between January 15, 2015 and October 15, 2022, with a first-time diagnosis of H. pylori on gastric biopsy and who had antimicrobial resistance data available. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to determine associations between the patient's demographics, clinical factors, endoscopic findings, and antimicrobial resistance. Results: Out of 273 patients (46% male, median 12.8 years), 118 (43.2%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. Clarithromycin resistance (24.5%) was the highest, followed by metronidazole (21.6%), fluoroquinolones (9.9%), rifabutin (3.3%), and amoxicillin (2.6%). Clarithromycin resistance was higher in Asians compared to white individuals (odds ratio [OR]: 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [2.01-10.89], p < 0.001), and lower in black compared to white individuals (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: [0.08-0.69], p = 0.01). Antimicrobial resistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole were similar among Hispanics. Asian individuals were more likely to demonstrate one or more antimicrobial resistances compared to whites (OR: 3.66, 95% CI: [1.50-8.89], p < 0.001). Compared to individuals from higher household incomes (>$100,000), those from less than $30,000 household incomes had a higher risk of metronidazole resistance (OR: 7.94, 95% CI: [1.83-34.36], p = 0.01). Conclusion: Our study provides novel information concerning the association of H. pylori antimicrobial resistance to race, socioeconomic status, and age in the pediatric population.