Investigators in Australia have shown that Chinese families have increased levels of H. pylori when they share a common bowl for a traditional Chinese meal. This does not prove it, but does suggest that H. pylori can be transmitted from the mouth of one person to the mouth of another through chopsticks. I am sceptical however, and think that it is probably just socioeconomic or ethnic association with H. pylori infection that causes this observation. Some doctors have seen H.

The bacterium which causes Legionnaire's disease is normally present at low levels in potable water supplies. Under the right conditions (particularly moderately hot water temperatures, from about 90 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the presence of nutrients), its population may greatly increase. If droplets of contaminated water get into the air and are inhaled by a susceptible individual, he may contract the disease. See similar questions...

Yes. However, anyone making any changes or additions to their diet should be observed by their physician. See similar questions...

Whilst not medically proven, 2 treatments daily for 2 days has been found to be effective in the treatment of aphthous ulcers. See similar questions...

STDs can be transmitted through oral, anal or vaginal sex. They can be transmitted from partner to partner with or without visible signs or symptoms. Many people can pass an STD to a sex partner without knowing it. Some STDs can be passed without having intercourse; they can be passed through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. See similar questions...

Anthrax is not known to spread from one person to another person. B. anthracis spores can live in the soil for many years, and humans can become infected with anthrax by handling products from infected animals or by inhaling anthrax spores from contaminated animal products. Anthrax can also be spread by eating undercooked meat from infected animals. It is rare to find infected animals in the United States. See similar questions...

MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection (e.g., towels, used bandages). See similar questions...

Blood contains the highest concentration of the virus, followed by semen, followed by vaginal fluids, followed by breast milk. Infections due to blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings or certain blood products are possible, although they are extremely rare nowadays in the United States. See similar questions...

Contact with small animals such as rabbits, hares, rodents, birds, and their ticks transmit tularemia. Handling carcasses of infected animals (hunters while skinning) transmits it, ingesting undercooked infected meat, drinking contaminated water and inhalation of dust from contaminated soil, grain or hay. It is also transmitted by tick bites and rarely through bites of an infected coyote, squirrel, skunk, hog, cat, or dog. See similar questions...

The mode of transmission between deer is not completely understood. It is thought that the disease is passed from animals in close contact with one another, and perhaps from mother to offspring. The prion which causes the disease is an abnormal version of a protein that normally occurs in the animal’s cells. This protein is not easily killed by environmental factors, heat, or disinfection, so transmission from a contaminated environment may also be possible. See similar questions...

Pressure ulcers are sores that occur when pressure cuts off the blood supply to the skin. Pressure caused by the body's weight and the impact of striking the ground place the ball of the foot, the big toe, and the heel at greatest risk. Left untreated, an ulcer may allow infection to enter your body. If infection reaches the bloodstream or bone, your life or limb may be at risk. But with your doctor's help, your health can be protected. Pressure ulcers can be controlled and even prevented. See similar questions...

Stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers are both peptic ulcers. A stomach ulcer (gastric ulcer) is a sore that occurs in the lining of the stomach. In general stomach ulcers can be related to infections with helicobacter pylori bacteria. The h. pylori bacteria weaken the protective mucus coating of the stomach and duodenal, where the mucus is produced. See similar questions...

Helicobacter pylori bacteria are the leading cause of peptic ulcers. It is assumed that h. pylori bacteria are accumulated in the body through food and water. However, h. pylori can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact. Having h. pylori does not necessarily mean that a person will develop a peptic ulcer. Only one out of six persons infected with h. pylori bacteria actually develops a peptic ulcer. See similar questions...

In most cases pressure ulcers are preventable with proper nursing care. By turning and repositioning patients, providing for their proper nutrition, and keeping the patient's skin clean and dry most pressure sores are preventable. In fact the Federal nursing home regulations state that a patient who is admitted to a nursing home should not develop a pressure sore unless it is unpreventable. Kenneth Olshanky, M.D. See similar questions...