Is H pylori contagious?

Hello Bathsheva,

Thank you for seeking our help with your concerns about H pylori.

H pylori infection occurs when a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects your stomach. This usually happens during childhood.

It can be contagious. H. pylori bacteria may be passed from person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit or fecal matter. H. pylori may also be spread through contaminated food or water.

Reducing your risk factors is the best way to prevent the H pylori infection. Risk factors are related to living conditions such as:

Living in crowded living conditions, where many people share the same house.

Living without a reliable clean source of water. Having a reliable supply of clean, running water helps reduce the risk of H. pylori.

People living in developing countries, where crowded and unsanitary living conditions may be more common, have a higher risk of H. pylori infection.

If someone you live with has H. pylori, you're more likely to also have H. pylori.

Bathsheva, if you meet any of the above risk factors, mention your concern to your physician. A breath test and stool antigen test can be ordered to see if you have the H pylori infection.

I hope this information is helpful.

Regards,
Maryann

Contagious *