Gastrointestinal Diseases

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Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Infection

Overview:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral shaped bacterium that lives and multiplies in the lining of the stomach.
Helicobacter pylori is a common cause of many stomach diseases including peptic ulcers.
H. pylori bacteria may be passed from person to person through contaminated food or water, or through sharing eating utensils with an infected person.
The main symptoms are pain and swelling in the abdomen, and loss of appetite.
The best way to prevent an H. pylori infection is by avoiding contaminated food or water, and not sharing utensils with others.

What is H. pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral shaped bacterium that lives and multiplies in the lining of the stomach, and it is a common cause of many stomach diseases including peptic ulcers. Once infected, a person usually stays infected for life unless they are treated with specific antibiotics.

Other names:

H. pylori - campylobacter pylori - spiral bacteria

Cause:

H. pylori bacteria may be passed from person to person through contaminated food and water, unclean utensils or direct contact with saliva from an infected person.

Risk factors:

Living with someone who has an H. pylori infection
Living without a reliable supply of clean water
Living in a crowded developing country

Symptoms:

Nausea or vomiting
Bloating
Frequent burping
Abdominal pain
Heartburn
Loss of appetite

When to see a doctor?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms:

Severe or persistent abdominal pain;
Blood in vomit;
Bloody or black tarry stool;
Unexplained weight loss.

Complications:

Inflammation of the stomach lining
Stomach ulcers
Internal bleeding
Stomach cancer

Diagnosis:

Urea breath test: during a breath test, the patient is asked to blow into and fill a balloon with a breath of air, after ingesting a urea capsule.
Laboratory tests: stool test
Scope test and taking tissue samples.

Blood tests are not very effective in detecting an H. pylori infection, and doctors don't base their medical decision on the results of these tests.

Treatment:

Antibiotics
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Acid-blockers (H2-receptor antagonists)

Prevention:

Make sure to wash your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing and eating your meals.
It is important to make sure that your water is sanitized, especially water coming from wells.
Make sure to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables.
Avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils with others.

FAQ:

Is an H. pylori infection contagious?

The exact way H. pylori infection transmission occurs remains unknown. However, studies have shown an increase in household H. pylori infections if the infected member is not isolated and the food water source are kept clean.