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The source of Campylobacter pylori
D Vaira1, J Holton, C C Ainley
1Department of Gastroenterology, Middlesex Hospital, London, U.K.
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Abattoir workers exposed to animal parts showed higher Campylobacter pylori and jejuni antibody levels. Treatment with colloidal bismuth subcitrate reduced C. pylori antibodies, suggesting a potential zoonotic link for this infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Campylobacter pylori (C. pylori) is a bacterium linked to gastritis.
- Abattoir workers may have increased exposure to potential zoonotic pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate antibody levels to C. pylori and C. jejuni in abattoir workers.
- To explore the association between occupational exposure and C. pylori infection.
- To assess the impact of treatment on C. pylori antibody levels.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 98 abattoir workers were tested for IgG and IgA antibodies to C. pylori, C. jejuni, and Klebsiella.
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on 29 workers with high C. pylori IgG levels.
- Antibody levels were re-tested after treatment with colloidal bismuth subcitrate.
Main Results:
- Workers with direct contact to animal parts had significantly higher C. pylori and C. jejuni antibody levels than clerical workers.
- All 29 endoscoped workers had C. pylori-associated gastritis.
- Treatment led to decreased C. pylori IgG antibody levels, while untreated workers showed no change.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest C. pylori infection may be a zoonosis acquired through occupational exposure.
- Antibody level reduction post-treatment supports the role of C. pylori in gastritis.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the zoonotic transmission of C. pylori.