Helicobacter pylori infection: a global occupational risk for healthcare workers?
The occupational risks from Helicobacter pylori, a major cause of gastroduodenal diseases, were reviewed for selected groups of healthcare workers (HCWs). A literature search was performed using Medline/Pubmed, 1983 to June 2003. Additional manual searches were made using reference lists from the selected articles. Current knowledge implies various pathways of agent transmission, favoring person-to-person transmission. The risks are highest for gastroenterologists, some nurses, and employees caring for persons with mental disability. Results for other groups are conflicting.
De Schryver
Antoon A
AA
Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Belgium.
Van Hooste
Wim L
WL
Van Winckel
Myriam A
MA
Van Sprundel
Marc P
MP
D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005762:Gastroenterology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D009726:Nurses; D016272:Occupational Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D000078329:Workforce