Abstract
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.
Highlights
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial infections among humans worldwide
The ability of the organism to hydrolyze urea leads to gastric ulcers and increases the risk of developing duodenal and stomach cancer to the level that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies as a class I carcinogen, where the infection is found in 80%–90% of patients with gastric ulcers [6,7]
Serologic detection of anti-H. pylori antibodies in dogs
Summary
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial infections among humans, and has worldwide distribution. Spread can occur through the environment or via reservoirs or vectors, little is known about the main route of dissemination from an infected individual [10]. Most data about the rates of H. pylori infection in different geographical and demographic populations comes from seroprevalence studies [17]. Serological tests have been used extensively in screening humans in clinics and for epidemiologic studies [18]. In Egypt, very little epidemiological data are available about the situation of H. pylori infection in humans and animals. The present study was undertaken to address the occurrence of H. pylori infection in apparently healthy humans and animals, including their owners
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