Water access and Helicobacter pylori risks in Peru

In Peru, approximately 3.5 million people lack access to potable water, while 7.6 million lack sewage services. These conditions increase the risk of infection from Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected bodily fluids.

Dr. Lina Laguado Gómez, Medical Director of Bristol Myers Squibb Peru, noted that H. pylori can survive in the acidic stomach environment for years. The bacterium is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen for humans, though the exact mechanisms by which it increases gastric cancer risk remain unknown. In Latin America, adult prevalence ranges from 60% to 80%, with rates in Peru between 45% and 83%.

While many infected individuals remain asymptomatic, symptoms can include gastritis, stomach pain, nausea, and bloating. Medical attention is critical if patients experience difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or blood in their stool, as these can be signs of gastric cancer.