By: Nishita Kulkarni
From Unsplash
I. Introduction
H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining, causing digestive problems, ulcers, and potentially stomach cancer. The bacteria can also cause swelling/inflammation, irritating the stomach and intestines.
H. Pylori was founded in 1982 by Barry J. Marshall and Robin Warren, researchers from Australia. They found bacteria in the stomach lining of patients suffering from unknown causes of gastritis and gastric ulcers. This discovery helped prove the belief that bacteria can't survive in the stomach due to the acidity present. Due to both scientists' considerable contributions to the field of Physiology and medicine, they were both awarded the Nobel Prize in the subject in 2005.
II. Causes and transmission
Many wonder what causes one to obtain H. Pylori. The answer usually relies on the passing from person to person (infectious) but only through direct contact, such as saliva, stool, and vomit. However, it's also shown that H. pylori can be caused by contaminated food or water, which is most common in underdeveloped countries. Factors such as poor sanitation and crowded living areas also cause H. Pylori.
III. Symptoms
Common symptoms of H. pylori infection are:
Burning pain in the stomach
Bloating
Nausea
Smaller Appetite
Excessive Burping
Stomach Pain
Weight Loss
However, every human is different and may experience additional symptoms and could still have the bacteria.
If one has dealt with H. Pylori infection for a prolonged amount of time, it could lead to stomach cancer (caused by the excessive irritation of the stomach lining and intestines) and a type of stomach lymphoma.
IV. Diagnosis
Tests are used to determine if the individual has H. Pylori or not are:
Stool Antigen Test: This is the most common test; one gives a sample of their stool to the lab, which looks for proteins (antigens) related to the infection in the stool.
Stool PCR Test: This test detects H. pylori in the stool and identifies mutations of the bacteria that could be resistant to certain antibiotics.
Endoscopy: Your doctor will perform this procedure to examine your stomach and take tissue samples, which will later be examined for infection.
Breath Test: This is where one swallows a pill or liquid containing carbon molecules; once swallowed, these molecules interact with the bacteria.
V. Treatment options
Antibiotic therapy is usually used as the first-line treatment for H. Pylori infection. In this therapy, antibiotics are prescribed and work to kill the bacteria, while other medicines, like proton pump inhibitors, help to make the antibiotics more efficient.
Another way to treat the bacteria is by using acid-suppressing medicines/proton pump inhibitors. These medicines reduce the amount of stomach acid produced, which helps the antibiotics work to eradicate the bacteria and ease symptoms like gastritis and ulcers.
Potential challenges in treating H. Pylori include antibiotic resistance, which makes it difficult to destroy the bacteria. Another challenge is the possibility of a reoccurrence of the disease if only some of the bacteria are killed.
VI. Complications and risks
H. pylori is linked to the development of ulcers and gastritis. The bacteria weakens the mucous layer of the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), letting acid get to the sensitive lining and forming ulcers. H. pylori can also cause gastritis by triggering inflammatory responses.
H. Pylori can also lead to stomach cancer. Due to the ulcers and the chronic inflammation caused by the bacteria, changes in the cells inside the stomach lining can cause the development of cancer. If the condition is left untreated, the inflammation of the stomach and intestines can lead to stomach cancer and even a type of stomach lymphoma.
VII. Preventive measures
To prevent H. Pylori, one should adopt good hygiene practices and sanitation, such as washing hands well (with soap and water) after using the restroom, eating, and being outside. Consuming clean and safe water is also crucial to reduce the risk of obtaining an H. Pylori infection.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, H. Pylori infection can lead to various digestive issues such as ulcers and potentially stomach cancer. Adopting good hygiene practices and sanitation can help prevent the spread of the bacteria. Even though antibiotic therapy is the treatment most commonly used, challenges like antibiotic resistance and the recurrence of the disease can be a significant obstacles. However, the future outlook for the bacteria's research and treatment holds promise for developing more efficient treatment and preventative measures to ensure the infection doesn't affect many.
MCR committee: Health
Works Cited
Ahmed, Niyaz. "23 Years of the Discovery of Helicobacter Pylori: Is the Debate Over?" Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials, vol. 4, no. 1, 2005, p. 17, https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-0711-4-17.
"Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) Infection - Symptoms and Causes." Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/h-pylori/symptoms-causes/syc-20356171#:~:text=H.%20pylori%20bacteria%20are%20usually.
"Helicobacter Pylori." Www.hopkinsmedicine.org, 19 Nov. 2019, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/helicobacter-pylori#:~:text=H.%20pylori%20is%20a%20type.