Prevention
Based on the results of recent studies, the following measure may help to reduce transmission of H. pylori bacteria:
- Practice good hygiene and hand washing, especially with food preparation.
- All patients with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms that may be associated with H. pylori infection should be tested and treated to prevent exposure to family members.
- Patients should complete the full course of therapy (antibiotics and acid blockers) to maximize the potential for a cure.
- Maintain proper nutrition to prevent iron deficiency anemia.
- Increase cruciferous vegetable intake (ie. cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli)
- Support policies to improve living conditions in developing countries
Human vaccines against H. pylori infections are in early stages of clinical trials.
References 1. Cheung TK, Wong BC. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori and prevention of gastric cancer; J Dig Dis. 2008 Feb;9(1):8-13. 2. Wong BC, Lam SK, Wong WM, Chen JS, Zheng TT, Feng RE, Lai KC, Hu WH, Yuen ST, Leung SY, Fong DY, Ho J, Ching CK, Chen JS; Helicobacter pylori eradication to prevent gastric cancer in a high-risk region of China: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Jan 14;291(2):187-94. 3. Johannes G. Kusters,* Arnoud H. M. van Vliet, and Ernst J. Kuipers. Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 July; 19(3): 449-490.
