Prevalence of helicobacter pylori in endoscopists

Authors : N TÖZÜN, A DURADEMİR, E AVŞAR, O ÖZDOĞAN, C Kalaycı, E Tankurt, NB Ulusoy, N Bekiroğlu

Pages : 33-35

View : 12 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 1997-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Fecal-oral spread is the proposed route of transmission of Helicobacter pylori insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(H pylori); infection in humans. Endoscopy staff are at higher risk of acquisition of H pylori infection by body exposure to secretions via contaminated endoscopes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of H pylori seropositivity among the doctors, nurses and staff working in various endoscopy units in Istanbul. Methods: Twenty-two endoscopists and nurses were entered into the study. Eighteen intensive care unit insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ICU); nurses, 22 administrative personnel from the hospital and 22 healthy volunteers served as controls. IgG antibodies against H pylori were determined by ELISA. Results: Nineteen of 22 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(86.4%); endoscopists and nurses, 13 of 18 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(72.2%); ICU nurses, 14 of 22 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(63.7%); administrative staff, 14 of 22 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(63.7%); healthy controls were seropositive for H pylori antibodies. There was no statistically significant difference between H pylori antibody prevalence in the four groups. Moreover, no correlation was noted between H pylori prevalence and the number of endoscopic procedures, the duration of exposure, peptic ulcer history or dyspeptic complaints. Conclusion: In an area of high H pylori endemicity, where acquisition occurs at a relatively earlier age, neither endoscopy nor ICU care seem to increase the acquisition of H pylori by close contact with patients
Keywords : Helicobacter Pylori, endoscopy, H pylori antibodies