Helicobacter pylori infection pathophysiology

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yamuna Kondapally, M.B.B.S[2]

Overview

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that lives on the lining of the stomach. Although we used to think that spicy food, acid, and stress were the major causes of ulcers, we now know that nine out of ten ulcers are caused by H. pylori. Medicines that reduce stomach acid may make you feel better, but your ulcer may come back. Here's the good news: Since most ulcers are caused by this bacterial infection, they can be cured with the right antibiotics.

Pathophysiology

• Helicobacter pylori is usually transmitted via the following routes:

• person to person via saliva
• Contaminated food and water

The pathophysiology of helicobacter pylori infection

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that is found in the gastric mucous layer or adherent to the epithelial lining of the stomach. H. pylori causes more than 90% of duodenal ulcers and up to 80% of gastric ulcers.
• Before 1982, when this bacterium was discovered, spicy food, acid, stress, and lifestyle were considered the major causes of ulcers.
• The majority of patients were given long-term medications, such as H2 blockers, and more recently, proton pump inhibitors, without a chance for permanent cure. These medications relieve ulcer-related symptoms, heal gastric mucosal inflammation, and may heal the ulcer, but they do not treat the infection.
• When acid suppression is removed, the majority of ulcers, particularly those caused by H. pylori, recur.
• Since we now know that most ulcers are caused by H. pylori, appropriate antibiotic regimens can successfully eradicate the infection in most patients, with complete resolution of mucosal inflammation and a minimal chance for recurrence of ulcers.

Peptic Ulcer Disease from H. Pylori

A peptic ulcer is a sore or hole in the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). People of any age can get an ulcer and women are affected just as often as men. Over 25 million Americans will suffer from an ulcer at some point during their lifetime. The good news is that most ulcers are caused by an infection with the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori , and can be cured in about two weeks with antibiotics.

• Most ulcers are caused by an infection, not spicy food, acid or stress.
• The most common ulcer symptom is burning pain in the stomach.
• Your doctor can test you for H. pylori infection.
• Antibiotics are the new cure for ulcers.
• Eliminating H. pylori infections with antibiotics means that your ulcer can be cured for good.