Helicobacter pylori infection transmitted sexually via oral-genital contact: a hypothetical model.

OBJECTIVES

To postulate that Helicobacter pylori infection may be transmitted sexually, using the human female vagina as a reservoir for transmission.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, Biological Abstracts, and Currents Contents (January 1983 to August 2000). Relevant keywords were used and additional manual searches were made using the reference lists from the selected articles to retrieve other papers relevant to the topic.

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter pylori infection could be transmitted sexually with the vagina acting as a potential temporary/permanent reservoir given the right environmental conditions.