Intrafamilial spread of Helicobacter pylori: A prospective study using urea breath test

Purpose: The mode of Helicobacter pylori spread is not well defined. Urea b reath test (UBT) is an accurate and noninvasive method for H pylori detecti on. This study evaluates the role of intrafamilial spread of H pylori using UBT. Methods: The family members of 16 H pylori-positive and 16 negative (contro l) children confirmed by histology and rapid urease test were investigated with UBT. A 5 delta% change was considered positive. Results: A total of 139 persons (72 in the positive group; 67 in the contro l group) were studied. Fifty-eight (81%, 58 of 72) and 13 (19%, 13 of 67) w ere found to be positive in the H pylori-positive and control groups, respe ctively (P < .01). Among children from 19 positive mothers, the positive ra te was 60% (25 of 42), whereas among children of negative mothers, the posi tive rate was 16% (4 of 25; P <,01), The positive rate among children of po sitive fathers was 66% (23 of 35), whereas that among children of negative fathers was 30% (7 of 23; P < .01). When both parents were H pylori-positiv e, the children's positive rate was 83% (19 of 23); when both parents were negative, the children's positive rate was 0% (0 of 9; P < .01). Conclusions: There is strong evidence of intrafamilial spread of H pylori. The positivity of parents with H pylori has an important bearing on their c hildren's H pylori status. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.