Background:An association ofH. pyloriinfection with chronic gastritis, peptic ulceration and gastric cancer is known.Methods:Prevalence of IgG antibodies toHelicobacter pyloriin children in the Bloemfontein, South Africa area was studied. Children attending the general pediatric out-patient department at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein were grouped according to age. A minimum of 100 children was investigated in each age group. Baseline demographic and socioeconomic data were collected.Results:The study showed a high prevalence ofH. pyloriantibodies. Prevalence increased with age: 13.5% in children 3 months-2 years, 48.5% at 2-5 years, 67.3% at 5-10 years and 84.2% at 10-15 years. Investigation of the socioeconomic data in relation to the prevalence ofH. pyloriwas inconclusive.Conclusions:This high prevalence needs further study.