Transmission routes of Helicobacter pylori

The transmission routes of Helicobacter pylori mainly include the following: 1. Oral-oral transmission: Helicobacter pylori can spread through saliva and other pathways. Close contact behaviors such as kissing, sharing eating utensils or drinking cups may lead to bacterial transmission. 2. Fecal-oral transmission: The feces of infected individuals may contain Helicobacter pylori. If fecal contamination occurs in food or water sources, healthy individuals may become infected after consuming these contaminated food or water. 3. Iatrogenic transmission: During medical procedures, if medical instruments are not thoroughly disinfected—for example, invasive diagnostic equipment such as gastroscopes—cross-infection among patients may occur. 4. Other routes: In some cases, Helicobacter pylori may also be transmitted through contaminated food. Food may become contaminated during processing, storage, or transportation, leading to infection after consumption by healthy individuals. If gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or vomiting occur, prompt medical evaluation and testing are recommended.