[Nosocomial transmission of Helicobacter pylori through fiberoptic gastroscopy].

The relationship of nosocomial transmission of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) by fiberoptic gastroscopy was investigated. Hp was cultured from the materials obtained from the suction/biopsy channel (4/12 times) and biopsy forceps (3/10 times). The positive rate of Hp was increased with times undertaking endoscopy in the past in elder patients with chronic gastritis. The rate from Hp negative transforming into positive also increased with the times of receiving endoscopic follow-up in the past in patients with Hp negative chronic gastritis. The average age of Hp positive patients were older in those patients under follow-up studies than that in randomly age-matched normal or chronic gastritis controls. The results suggested that the contamination of gastroscopic equipment played a potential role as vehicle causing nosocomial infection of Hp. The risks of Hp transmission correlated with times of undertaking endoscopy, especially in the elderly.