Acquisition of Helicobacter pylori infection after outbreaks of gastroenteritis: prospective cohort survey in institutionalised young people

The exact mode of spread of Helicobacter pylori is still unknown. Transmission during transit disorders of the gastrointestinal tract has been suggested, although there is no evidence to date of transmission during outbreaks of gastroenteritis.1–3 We determined whether gastroenteritis in young people infected with H pylori can lead to acquisition of the bacterium by peers. Our study took place in a French institution for neurologically handicapped children and adolescents. The young people had been institutionalised for several years and resided across five housing sections (A to E). We included all 112 residents in May 2001. H pylori infection present at the outset of the study was detected by using the non-invasive HpSA stool antigen test (Meridian; 91% sensitivity and 93% specificity).4 Stool samples were stored and transported at 4°C within 48 hours and then frozen. The residents were monitored for one year. Events and clinical data …