Helicobacter pylori in water systems for human use in Mexico City

Mazari-Hiriart, M.; López-Vidal, Y.; Calva, J.J.; Mazari-Hiriart, M; López-Vidal, Y; Calva, J.J

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Helicobacter pylori in water systems for human use in Mexico City

Mazari-Hiriart, M.; López-Vidal, Y.; Calva, J.J.

Water Science and Technology a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research 43(12): 93-98

2001

ISSN/ISBN: 0273-1223

PMID: 11464777

Document Number: 527637

H. pylori infection is associated with peptic ulcers and gastric cancer in humans. Transmission of H. pylori is still not certain with some epidemiological data suggesting water as a possible transmission route. The objective of this study was to detect H. pylori 16S rRNA gene in five water systems in Mexico City, Mexico. Samples were taken during 1997-2000 from extraction wells (system 1), from dams used as water sources, both pre- and post-treatment (systems 2 and 3), treated wastewater (system 4) and non-treated wastewater (system 5). Detection of the H. pylori 16S rRNA gene in water samples was carried out using nested PCR in 139 water samples and confirmed by using cagA gene detection by PCR-hybridisation. The results showed the presence of H. pylori in 58 (42%) of the water samples in total with a prevalence of 68% in system 1, 100% in system 2, 0% in system 3, 17% in system 4 and 20% in system 5. This first stage showed the presence of H. pylori in the tested water systems; nevertheless, viability of the microorganism in water and vegetables needs to be confirmed as well as demonstration of a relationship between human and environmental strains.