Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterial infection found in the stomach lining which causes inflammation called gastritis. Left untreated, H. pylori can cause ulcers and stomach cancer in some people. Is the family member of such patient susceptible to this infection too? A study from Turkey demonstrated a large benefit in preventing reinfection with H. pylori by treating any H.
pylori -infected household members to eradicate the bacteria from the household. The risk of a person developing a new H. pylori infection nine months after being successfully treated was about five times lower when the patient's family members were tested and treated as well. This study may not be generalizable but relates to the crowded living conditions and a lower standard of hygiene . The authors also noted that the most likely member of the household to be coinfected with H. pylori was the patient's…
