Hellbent (novel)

Heliobacter pylori (often abbreviated as H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach. It is known to be a common cause of peptic ulcers. H. pylori infection can be diagnosed by blood tests, stool tests, or by a breath test.

History

The bacterium was first identified in 1982 by Australian scientists Barry Marshall and Robin Warren. They found that it was present in a person with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers, conditions not previously believed to have a microbial cause. It is also linked to the development of duodenal ulcers and stomach cancer.

Characteristics

H. pylori is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that can inhabit various areas of the stomach, particularly the antrum. It has the ability to survive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach by producing urease, an enzyme that neutralizes stomach acid by converting urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Transmission

H. pylori is believed to be transmitted orally by means of fecal matter, such as when an individual does not wash his or her hands thoroughly after using the restroom. It can also be transmitted through the ingestion of food or water that is contaminated with fecal matter.

Treatment

Treatment for H. pylori infection typically involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. This is often referred to as "triple therapy" and includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and two antibiotics, usually amoxicillin and clarithromycin, given for 7–14 days.

See also

• Peptic ulcer disease
• Stomach cancer
• Gastritis

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