Helicobacter pylori infection: a global occupational risk for healthcare workers?

The occupational risks from Helicobacter pylori, a major cause of gastroduodenal diseases, were reviewed for selected groups of healthcare workers (HCWs). A literature search was performed using Medline/Pubmed, 1983 to June 2003. Additional manual searches were made using reference lists from the selected articles. Current knowledge implies various pathways of agent transmission, favoring person-to-person transmission. The risks are highest for gastroenterologists, some nurses, and employees caring for persons with mental disability. Results for other groups are conflicting.