Endoscopic transmission of Helicobacter pylori.
The contamination of endoscopes and biopsy forceps with Helicobacter pylori occurs readily after endoscopic examination of H. pylori-positive patients. Unequivocal proof of iatrogenic transmission of the organism has been provided. Estimates for transmission frequency approximate to 4 per 1000 endoscopies when the infection rate in the endoscoped population is about 60%. Iatrogenic transmission has also been shown to be the cause of the so-called 'acute mucosal lesion' syndrome in Japan. Traditional cleaning and alcohol rinsing is insufficient to eliminate endoscope/forceps contamination. Only meticulous adherence to disinfection recommendations guarantees H. pylori elimination.
Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
G N
GN
Tytgat
D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004203:Disinfection; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence