ISSN:
1573-2568
Keywords:
H. PYLORI
;
TRANSMISSION
;
SHEPHERDS
;
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract It has been suggested that Helicobacter pyloriinfection may, in some instances, be a zoonosis. The aimof this study was to evaluate the prevalence of H.pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds and their families in relation to exposure to sheep andsheep dogs. Sardinian shepherds and a control group ofblood donors completed detailed questionnaires regardingdemographics, childhood and current economic status, and the presence of symptoms related tothe upper gastrointestinal tract. H. pylori status wasdetermined by a sensitive ELISA for anti-H. pylori IgGand by western blot for anti-CagA IgG. A subgroup of shepherds had upper gastrointestinalendoscopy with biopsy to assess the severity of thegastritis. H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherdsapproached 100% and was positively related to animalcontact (98% of shepherds, 73% of family memberswithout regular direct animal contact compared to 43% ofblood donors) (P 〈 0.001). Importantly, the familymembers shared the same childhood with the shepherds but choose different careers (e.g., teachers,nurses, business) and did not have regular contact withsheep. In conclusion, the prevalence of H. pyloriinfection in Sardinian shepherds is among the highest in the world and is associated with directcontact with sheep and sheep dogs. These results suggestthat the cycle of H. pylori infection might, in certaincircumstances, include phases in the environment, animals (sheep or dogs) and humanbeings.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1026676223825
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