Is Helicobacter pylori contagious?
Oct 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Helicobacter pylori can survive and multiply in the highly acidic environment of the human stomach by forming a protective mucus layer that shields it from being destroyed by gastric acid. At the same time, Helicobacter pylori can spread between individuals through various routes. It can be transmitted orally, for example, through sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, or intimate behaviors such as kissing.
Under normal circumstances, Helicobacter pylori (commonly referred to as H. pylori) is contagious. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
H. pylori can survive and multiply in the highly acidic environment of the human stomach by forming a protective mucus layer that shields it from being destroyed by gastric acid. Moreover, H. pylori can spread between individuals through multiple routes. One such route is oral-oral transmission; for example, sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, or engaging in close contact such as kissing may transmit the bacteria from an infected individual to another person. Additionally, H. pylori can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route. The feces of infected individuals may contain H. pylori, and if waste is improperly handled or hygiene conditions are poor, the bacteria may enter another person’s body through contaminated food, water, or hands. Furthermore, H. pylori can also spread through iatrogenic transmission. For instance, during medical procedures such as endoscopy or dental treatments, inadequately sterilized instruments or equipment may serve as vehicles for transmitting the bacteria.
H. pylori spreads more easily in environments with poor hygiene. To prevent infection, it is important to maintain good personal hygiene practices and avoid close contact with infected individuals.
