Survival of helicobacter pylori in tap water and apple juice

ABSTRACT

The survival ability of seven strains of Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] that were isolate from gastric biopsies from patients complaining of various gastric disorders were studied in three different fluids Makkah city tap water, Jeddah city tap water [Saudi Arabia] and apple juice. The experiment was carried out aerobically at room temperature and at 4°C. The survival rate was assessed quantitatively. Non of the seven strains were able to survive in Makkah tap water and in apple juice at both temperatures. However, H. pylori strain 103 maintained a population level in Jeddah tap water, similar to that of the initial inoculum [5.48 x10[4]] for two days at room temperature, but declined to undetectable level within 72 hours; and the same population level was attained at 4°C for two days after which it declined to undetectable level within the sixth day. A similar result was observed when strain 250 survived in Jeddah tap water for 24 hours at room temperature and for eight days at 4 °C [3.88x10[3]] after which viable counts completely dropped. Tlese findings emphasize the risk of consuming contaminated water - which may lead to infection - since H. pylori were able to remain viable for a considerable time in water at the present study