High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in shepherds

It has been suggested that Helicobacter pylori infection map, in some insta nces, be a zoonosis, The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence o f H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds and their families in relation to exposure to sheep and sheep dogs. Sardinian shepherds and a control gro up of blood donors completed detailed questionnaires regarding demographics , childhood and current economic status, and the presence of symptoms relat ed 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 biop sy to assess the severity of the gastritis. H. pylori infection in Sardinia n shepherds approached 100% and was positively related to animal contact (9 8% of shepherds, 73% of family members without regular direct animal contac t compared to 43% of blood donors) (P < 0.001). Importantly, the family mem bers shared the same childhood with the shepherds but choose different care ers (e.g., teachers, nurses, business) and did not have regular contact wit h sheep. In conclusion, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Sardinian shepherds is among the highest in the world and is associated with direct c ontact with sheep and sheep dogs. These results suggest that the cycle of H . pylori infection might, in certain circumstances, include phases in the e nvironment, animals (sheep or dogs) and human beings.