Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the bacteria responsible for most ulcers and many cases of stomach inflammation (chronic gastritis).
The bacteria can weaken the protective coating of the stomach, allowing digestive juices to irritate the sensitive stomach lining.
Alternative NamesGastritis - Helicobacter pylori; H. pylori
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsAs many as half of the world's population is infected with H. pylori. Those living in developing countries or crowded, unsanitary conditions are most likely to contract the bacterium, which is passed from person to person. H. pylori only grows in the stomach, and is usually contracted during childhood.
Interestingly, many people have this organism in their stomach, but don't get an ulcer or gastritis. Coffee drinking, smoking, and drinking alcohol increase your risk for an ulcer from H. pylori.
SymptomsIf you are a carrier of H. pylori, you may have no symptoms. If you have an ulcer or gastritis, you may have some of the following symptoms:
Simple blood, breath, and stool tests can determine if you are infected with H. pylori. If you have symptoms, your doctor will determine if you should have these screening tests.
The most accurate way to diagnose H. pylori is through upper endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Because this procedure is invasive, it is generally only done on people suspected to have an ulcer, or who are at high risk for ulcers or other complications from H. pylori, such as stomach cancer.
Risk factors include being over 45 or having symptoms such as:
Following treatment, breath and stool tests can determine if you have been cured of the infection.
TreatmentPatients who have H. pylori and also have an ulcer are most likely to benefit from being treated. Patients who only have heartburn or acid reflux and H. pylori are less likely to benefit from treatment. The treatment does not work in all patients.
Treatment must be taken for 10 to 14 days. Medications may include:
Once the H. pylori bacteria are gone from your body, the chance of being infected again is very low.
ComplicationsH. pylori infection is linked to stomach cancer and ulcer disease.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have blood in your stool, abdominal pain, ongoing indigestion or heartburn, or any of the other symptoms mentioned above.
Seek immediate medical help if you are vomiting blood.
PreventionA clean and germ-free environment may help decrease your risk of H. pylori infection.
ReferencesChey WD, Wong BC. American College of Gastroenterology guideline on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007;102(8):1808-1825.
Ables AZ, Simon I, Melton ER. Update on Helicobacter pylori treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75(3):351-358.
Helicobacter Pylori is a pronoun that is both singular and plural.
Domain: BacteriaPhylum: ProteobacteriaClass: EpsilonproteobacteriaOrder: CampylobacteralesFamily: HelicobacteraceaeGenus: HelicobacterSpecies: H. pylori
Helicobacter pylori is related to a few types of stomach cancer. It is the only bacteria known to be related to cancer.
Helicobacter Pylori
no
Helicobacter pylori
yes
Helicobacter is a genus of bacteria that can infect the stomach lining, leading to conditions like gastritis and peptic ulcers. The most well-known species in this genus is Helicobacter pylori, which is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
The scientific name for a stomach ulcer is gastric ulcer, which is commonly caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori infecting the stomach lining.
Helicobacter pylori is the organism found responsibile for the majority (95%) of duodenal (peptic) ulcers.
Helicobacter pylori.
Helicobacter Pylori