Abstract

Background: In this study, the first attempt in Basrah city to isolate and diagnose H. pylori from endoscopic units and workers by culture method.
Objective: to isolate and identify H. pylori by culture method and conventional tests from possibly contaminated sources and workers in endoscopy units in five hospitals.
Materials and methods: A total of 78 swabs were collected endoscopic units in five hospitals in Basrah city in Iraq namely: Altaalemi, Al-mawani, Al-Basrah general, Al-Shifaa and Al-Fayhaa during the period from September 2011 to June 2012.
Results: A total of 78 swabs, of which 12(15.38%) isolates of H. pylori were isolated by culture method and identified by biochemical tests. The highest frequency of H. pylori was in Altaalemi 7(29.16%) followed by Al-Shifaa 3(25%) and then Al-mawani 2(14.2%) and zero for the rest. The frequency of positive H. pylori in 13 samples from mouth of staff, was 3(23.1%). It was statistically significant (P<0.05) using SPSS program. Of the total 10 samples from forceps, 2(20%) showed positive tests for H. pylori, the frequency of positive H. pylori in 3 samples from sponge, was 2(66.7%), of the total 8 samples from flexible shaft, 2(25%) showed positive tests for H. pylori, 6 specimens from flexible cord transmitting light, air and water, 1(16.7%) showed positive tests for H. pylori, 5 specimens from Petridis for mouth pieces and 5 specimens from opening for biopsy channel, 1(20%) showed positive tests for H. pylori, Of the total 10, 6, 5, 5 and 2 samples from mouth, tables surface, beds, sinks and Pail sterilization respectively, the frequency of H. pylori was (0%).
Conclusion: H. pylori can be isolated by culture method from endoscopic units and workers and disinfection technique for manual cleaning and disinfection of the instrument may not remove the risk of H. pylori transmission.