TY - JOUR
T1 - High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in shepherds
AU - Dore, Maria P.
AU - Bilotta, Monica
AU - Vaira, Dino
AU - Manca, Alessandra
AU - Massarelli, Giovanni
AU - Leandro, Gioacchino
AU - Atzei, Antonella
AU - Pisanu, Gavino
AU - Graham, David Y.
AU - Realdi, Giuseppe
PY - 1999
Y1 - 1999
N2 - It has been suggested that Helicobacter pylori infection may, in some instances, be a zoonosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds and their families in relation to exposure to sheep and sheep dogs. Sardinian shepherds and a control group of blood donors completed detailed questionnaires regarding demographics, childhood and current economic status, and the presence of symptoms related to the upper gastrointestinal tract. H. pylori status was determined by a sensitive ELISA for anti-H, pylori IgG and by western blot for anti-CagA IgG. A subgroup of shepherds had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy to assess the severity of the gastritis. H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds approached 100% and was positively related to animal contact (98% of shepherds, 73% of family members without regular direct animal contact compared to 43% of blood donors) (P <0.001). Importantly, the family members shared the same childhood with the shepherds but choose different careers (e.g., teachers, nurses, business) and did not have regular contact with sheep. In conclusion, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds is among the highest in the world and is associated with direct contact with sheep and sheep dogs. These results suggest that the cycle of H. pylori infection might, in certain circumstances, include phases in the environment, animals (sheep or dogs) and human beings.
AB - It has been suggested that Helicobacter pylori infection may, in some instances, be a zoonosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds and their families in relation to exposure to sheep and sheep dogs. Sardinian shepherds and a control group of blood donors completed detailed questionnaires regarding demographics, childhood and current economic status, and the presence of symptoms related to the upper gastrointestinal tract. H. pylori status was determined by a sensitive ELISA for anti-H, pylori IgG and by western blot for anti-CagA IgG. A subgroup of shepherds had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy to assess the severity of the gastritis. H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds approached 100% and was positively related to animal contact (98% of shepherds, 73% of family members without regular direct animal contact compared to 43% of blood donors) (P <0.001). Importantly, the family members shared the same childhood with the shepherds but choose different careers (e.g., teachers, nurses, business) and did not have regular contact with sheep. In conclusion, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds is among the highest in the world and is associated with direct contact with sheep and sheep dogs. These results suggest that the cycle of H. pylori infection might, in certain circumstances, include phases in the environment, animals (sheep or dogs) and human beings.
KW - CagA
KW - Epidemiology
KW - H. pylori
KW - Shepherds
KW - Transmission
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U2 - 10.1023/A:1026676223825
DO - 10.1023/A:1026676223825
M3 - Article
C2 - 10389689
AN - SCOPUS:0033031763
VL - 44
SP - 1161
EP - 1164
JO - Digestive Diseases and Sciences
JF - Digestive Diseases and Sciences
SN - 0163-2116
IS - 6
ER -