Risk factors

H. pylori infection is often acquired in childhood. Risk factors for H. pylori infection are related to living conditions in your childhood, such as:

• Living in crowded conditions. You have a greater risk of H. pylori infection if you live in a home with many other people.
• Living without a reliable supply of clean water. Having a reliable supply of clean, running water helps reduce the risk of H. pylori.
• Living in a developing country. People living in developing countries, where crowded and unsanitary living conditions may be more common, have a higher risk of H. pylori infection.
• Living with someone who has an H. pylori infection. If someone you live with has H. pylori infection, you're more likely to also have H. pylori infection.