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[Nosocomial transmission of Helicobacter pylori through fiberoptic gastroscopy]
1Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Zunyi Medical College.
Abstract:
The relationship of nosocomial transmission of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) by fiberoptic gastroscopy was investigated. Hp was cultured from the materials obtained from the suction/biopsy channel (4/12 times) and biopsy forceps (3/10 times). The positive rate of Hp was increased with times undertaking endoscopy in the past in elder patients with chronic gastritis. The rate from Hp negative transforming into positive also increased with the times of receiving endoscopic follow-up in the past in patients with Hp negative chronic gastritis. The average age of Hp positive patients were older in those patients under follow-up studies than that in randomly age-matched normal or chronic gastritis controls. The results suggested that the contamination of gastroscopic equipment played a potential role as vehicle causing nosocomial infection of Hp. The risks of Hp transmission correlated with times of undertaking endoscopy, especially in the elderly.
Insights
Nosocomial transmission of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) via fiberoptic gastroscopy is a concern. Contaminated equipment and frequent endoscopies increase Hp infection risk, particularly in elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Contamination
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers.
- Nosocomial infections pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Fiberoptic gastroscopy is a common diagnostic procedure with potential for pathogen transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for nosocomial transmission of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) through fiberoptic gastroscopy.
- To identify risk factors associated with Hp transmission during endoscopic procedures.
Main Methods:
- Samples were collected from the suction/biopsy channel and biopsy forceps of endoscopes.
- Hp presence was determined through microbial culture.
- Patient data, including age, history of gastritis, and previous endoscopy frequency, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Helicobacter pylori (Hp) was successfully cultured from endoscope components (suction/biopsy channel and biopsy forceps).
- The rate of Hp positivity increased with the number of previous endoscopies, especially in elderly patients with chronic gastritis.
- Patients with Hp-negative chronic gastritis who underwent repeat endoscopies showed an increased rate of becoming Hp-positive.
Conclusions:
- Contaminated gastroscopic equipment can act as a vehicle for nosocomial Helicobacter pylori (Hp) transmission.
- The frequency of endoscopic procedures is a significant risk factor for Hp transmission, with elderly individuals being particularly vulnerable.