| You may have heard about H. pylori infections. If | | | | leads to release of certain toxins and enzymes |
| you have no idea what is H. pylori, then this article | | | | that cause injury to cells of the stomach and |
| is going to enlighten you. | | | | duodenum. These changes cause stomach and |
| | | | | duodenum to become more susceptible to |
| H. pylori or Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that | | | | damage by gastric acids and juices. |
| resides in the stomach of about half the human | | | | |
| population. This bacterium is helix-shaped and | | | | The Helicobacter pylori bacteria have become |
| measures about 0.3 micrometers long with a | | | | uncommon in most developed countries but |
| diameter of 0.5 micrometers. The long thread- like | | | | continue to be prevalent in developing countries. |
| appendages (flagella) of the bacterium helps it to | | | | Approximately 10% children and 80% of the |
| attach to the mucous lining of the stomach. | | | | adults in developing countries are infected with H. |
| | | | | pylori but don't show any symptoms. |
| Helicobacter pylori bacteria are known to cause | | | | |
| inflammation of the gastric lining that can cause | | | | Scientists believe that H. pylori infection could be |
| development of peptic ulcers, stomach cancer, | | | | contagious because in some cases it seems to |
| gastritis and dyspepsia. Not everyone with H. | | | | run in the families and research suggests that it |
| pylori bacteria develops infection. Several people | | | | can pass from one person to another, though the |
| don't get infected with any of the aforementioned | | | | exact mode of transmission is not known. It has |
| conditions. Common symptoms of the H. pylori | | | | been suggested that the H. pylori infection |
| infection are pain in the abdomen, nausea, | | | | spreads via contaminated food or utensils. |
| vomiting, acidity, dark stools and loss of appetite. | | | | |
| | | | | The good news is that the infection can be easily |
| H. pylori bacteria cause damage to the protective | | | | detected using several diagnostic tools and be |
| lining of duodenum and stomach. The infection | | | | effectively treated. |