Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) contamination in water supplies is a global concern, with varying prevalence rates across different regions. The presence of H. pylori in water and its ability to form biofilms contribute to its persistence and potential transmission through drinking water systems.
## Prevalence in Water Supplies
### Global Prevalence
H. pylori has been detected in various aquatic environments worldwide, including drinking water distribution systems[1]. Studies have found evidence of H. pylori contamination in:
– Peru: 20.3% of drinking water samples were contaminated with H. pylori[1]
– England: 26% of water samples from residential houses, educational establishments, and hydrants contained H. pylori DNA[3]
– Sweden: H. pylori was detected in tap water distribution systems[3]
– Western Africa: H. pylori 16S rRNA genes were found in biofilm samples from water distribution systems[3]
### United States
While specific data for the United States is limited in the provided search results, studies have linked H. pylori infection to consumption of contaminated well water[6]. This suggests that H. pylori may be present in some U.S. water sources, particularly in areas with untreated water supplies.
## Biofilm Formation and Persistence
H. pylori’s ability to form biofilms plays a crucial role in its survival and persistence in water systems:
1. Protection: Biofilms provide protection from disinfection treatments and protozoan predation[4].
2. Survival in hostile environments: Biofilm formation allows H. pylori to survive in environments that are otherwise adverse to its proliferation[4].
3. Resistance to chlorine: H. pylori in biofilms has shown resistance to chlorine treatment[3].
4. Persistence in distribution systems: The bacterium can form biofilms on surfaces within water distribution systems, potentially serving as a reservoir for infection[3][4].
5. Increased antibiotic resistance: H. pylori biofilms demonstrate decreased susceptibility to antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance mutations are more frequently generated in biofilms than in planktonic cells[7].
6. Coexistence with other bacteria: H. pylori can form biofilms alongside other bacterial species commonly found in tap water, which may enhance its survival[3].
7. Difficulty in detection: Traditional cultivation techniques often fail to detect H. pylori in drinking water distribution systems, making it challenging to assess its true prevalence[7].
The presence of H. pylori in biofilms within water distribution systems poses significant challenges for controlling its spread and eradication. This persistence mechanism may contribute to the continued prevalence of H. pylori infections in human populations, particularly in areas with inadequate water treatment and sanitation practices.
Citations:
[1] https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/142894/hel12462.pdf?sequence=1
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36138669/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4024771/
[4] https://www.wjgnet.com/2150-5330/full/v5/i3/122.htm
[5] https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(23)05687-1/fulltext
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11218379/
[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4452508/
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5663436/
[9] https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/2/797
[10] https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)17564-0