Serologic evidence and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in animals and humans

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial infections among humans worldwide. Although many records imply its interfamilial acquisition, the role of animals remains poorly understood. This study was undertaken to investigate the seroprevalence of H. pylori in animals and their human contacts in Cairo and Giza governorates, Egypt.

Commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect IgG antibodies to H. pylori in dogs, cattle, and humans.

Seropositive dogs (35/94; 37.2%), cattle (24/80; 30%) and humans (40/90; 44.4%) were found. Seroprevalence in animals significantly varied in different areas of sample collection, but there was no association with sex or age. Human seropositivity rates were associated with increasing age; moreover, seropositive dog owners (51.7%; 15/29), had seropositive dogs. However, infection was not associated with subject's sex, occupation, or history of animal contact.

Our findings indicate H. pylori is widely distributed in cattle and dogs and their human contacts in Cairo and Giza, Egypt. Further studies to determine infection in other occupational groups are needed. This study provides baseline information on the seroprevalence of H. pylori, which may be required to begin prevention control programs in our area.