Can H pylori be transmitted sexually or by kissing?

H pylori is a spiral shaped bacterium which is most likely acquired during childhood. It is believed that poor sanitation, drinking contaminated water, and lack of sanitation facilities contribute to infection with this organism. However, 90% of individuals who do acquire H pylori never develop any symptoms. In some individuals, H pylori has been shown to cause peptic ulcer disease.

The acute infection may present with abdominal pain, bloating, belching, nausea, excess gas, or bad breath. Almost all patients who have had confirmed endoscopic evidence of peptic ulcer disease are known to be infected with H pylori. Further, there is now strong evidence linking H pylori to development of stomach cancers. Why only some individuals develop stomach cancer remains a mystery. In fact, this association is even more puzzling because the incidence of stomach cancer has gone down in the last 2 decades but infection with H pylori has gone up.

However, the question remains, can H pylori be passed on to your partner, family, or child either orally or sexually? No one seems to know as the problem has never been studied. One fact needs to be understood- H pylori is a not sexually transmitted organism but whether it can be transmitted via sex is unknown. There is always the possibility that simple kissing can transmit H pylori, but so far, no such reports exist. Because of routine practice of oral sex in most relationships, this may be another method of H pylori transfer to the partner. But again, there are no reports to confirm such a possibility.

In any case, even if H pylori is acquired, it can be easily treated. In most cases, a 10-14 day treatment with an antibiotic and an acid suppressive drug is all that is required.