Helicobacter pylori in water

version 05.13.27            

Helicobacter pylori infects large numbers of people (> 50% of the population). In some of those infected, can cause diseases such as peptic ulcer, gastritis, and even some forms of cancer or gastric lymphoma. The mechanism of infection is accepted human transmission by oral-oral, especially supported by the finding in saliva and dental plaque. In many cases, it has been difficult to admit this unique mechanism, so you have considered other possible routes of transmission (water, food, or contact with pets). Of these, a supported pathway is currently the waterborne (fecal-oral through contaminated water), supported by the finding of H. pylori in faeces and the ability to survive in water under certain conditions have been shown. Previously, this route was discussed by the poor viability of H. pylori in environmental conditions. The transformation of the spiral shape in a coccoid form bacillary survival could support this transmission mechanism. Admittedly populations developed in the way of oral-oral transmission would be the most prevalent, whereas in underdeveloped populations would the fecal-oral through contaminated water via.

The detection of H. pylori in water can be effected by culture, or by a molecular approach (double PCR or alternative). If the intention is to detect only the presence, with or without viability, we recommend the molecular test, as in growing more influential variables conservation for a very labile bacteria, or he found present in difficult cocoides ways to grow, so podríano detected but were present.

Our laboratory has recommendations for taking water samples for conservation and referral to our laboratory for those interested upon request.

The delivery of results is 72 hours for culture, and 48 hours for the molecular test (double PCR).