Incidence and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection among the relatives of infected patients

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, Helicobacter pylori infection affects 70–90% of adults in developing countries and 25–50% of adults from developed countries. Objectives: An assessment of the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection among the household members of patients with positive urease test as well as determination of risk factors, symptoms and coexisting diseases. Material and methods: Study included 62 relatives of 32 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection, who were occupying the same household. Control group included 40 relatives of patients with negative urease test. All participants were subjected to Diago-HP serological testing and completed a questionnaire including 30 questions. Results: It was found that Helicobacter pylori infection is significantly more common among the household members of infected patients compared to the control group (37.1% vs. 18.4%, p < 0.001). The incidence of infections was 58.5% in the study population (patients and their relatives). Infected patients were older than the uninfected ones (51.1 ± 15.0 vs. 36.5 ± 18.6 years, p < 0.001), they more often reported difficulties in defecation (72.7% vs. 50.8%, p = 0.04) and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen (75.9% vs. 50.8%, p = 0.02). Type 2 diabetes significantly increased the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection (100% vs. 53.6%, p = 0.004). No relationship was found between accommodation, hygienic habits, drug use, diet or keeping pets. Conclusions: The incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection is significantly higher among the household members of infected patients. The infection is more common among elderly and diabetic patients.