Increased incidence of Campylobacter pylori infection in gastroenterologists: further evidence to support person-to-person transmission of C. pylori.

The mode transmission of Campylobacter pylori is still unknown, although several studies have suggested person-to-person transmission. In this study the incidence of active C. pylori infection in an endoscopy staff was compared with that in general practitioners and normal blood donors. Since endoscopy workers are in close contact with patients, many of whom would be likely to have active C. pylori infection, it was likely that there would be an increased incidence of active C. pylori infection in endoscopists if the organism can spread from person to person. The incidence of active C. pylori infection in the group of gastroenterologists was 52%, compared with 21% in an age-matched group of blood donors. This finding was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). In comparison, the incidence of active C. pylori infection in the endoscopy nurses and general practitioners was not statistically different from that in the normal population.