Transmission of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

SummaryHelicobacter pylori is found predominantly in human gastric mucosa. Transfer of the bacterium remains an open topic, but it is likely that infection is usually acquired at a young age, particularly where lower socio-economic conditions prevail. Transmission via an external source such as water supply is a possibility but, in general, infection is probably passed from person to person. Arguments for and against faecaloral, oral-oral and gastric-oral transmission have been presented, but the dominance of one of these routes is still to be determined. Keywords: Helicobacter pyloriEVective public health interventions to reduce the incidence of infection with Helicobacter pylori are dependent on a good understanding of those most at risk of acquisition and of the sources and routes of transmission of this common infection. Although some risk factors have been convincingly demonstrated, conclusive evidence about how H pylori infection is transmitted remains elusive. When a patient diagnosed with H pylori infection asks where the infection was acquired, a simple answer cannot be given with confidence.

Detection and occurrence of indicator organisms and pathogens

“…Finally, they review current methods for the detection of the organism including filtration, immunoseparation (IMS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), probe hybridization, immunostaining, autoradiography and ATP bioluminescence. On the other hand, Stone (1999) and Nabwera and Logan (1999) argue against waterborne transmission of H. pylori in favor of direct person-to-person transmission.…”

Pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori infection

“…The role of domestic animals in the spread of H. pylori infection is not yet proven, and, in general, infection is probably passed directly from individual to individual. Proposed routes of transmission of H. pylori are faecal–oral, oral–oral, and gastric–oral [5].…”

Emerging Waterborne Infections: Contributing Factors, Agents, and Detection Tools

“…41 The natural history and other aspects of the epidemiology of H. pylori infection are still unclear. The mode of transmission of H. pylori is also unknown, 42,43 but fecal-oral transmission is highly probable. 44 When H. pylori is exposed to variable environmental conditions, the cells enter a VBNC state and changes in morphology, metabolism, and growth patterns are observed.…”