Is Helicobacter pylori infection associated with animal contact? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported in both humans and animals. This meta-analysis aimed to analyze the correlation between H. pylori infection in humans and animal rearing/contact.

Methods: This study was conducted by searching five databases from their creation to 25 November 2024. The data was analyzed using Review Manager software. Heterogeneity was estimated with I2 statistics. A random-effect model was used when heterogeneity was significant; otherwise, a fixed-effect model was used.

Results: A total of 21 studies and 10 662 subjects were finally included. Animal rearing/contact was significantly associated with higher odds of H. pylori infection (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.42-2.28, P < .001). The OR value of H. pylori infection in individuals rearing/contact with domestic animals was 1.71 times that of those without rearing/contact (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.33-2.21, P < .001). H. pylori infection was correlated with dog rearing/contact (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.24-4.08, P = .008), but not with pet (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 0.94-2.78, P = .09) and cat (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.96-1.67, P = .10) rearing/contact. Rearing/contact with animals (OR: 2.04 and 1.62), domestic animals (OR: 1.90 and 1.40), and dogs (OR: 4.11 and 1.50) were risk factors for H. pylori infection in adults and children.

Conclusions: This meta-analysis confirmed that H. pylori infection in humans was correlated with animal rearing/contact, particularly in adults.