Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): Symptoms, Causes & Detection

Helicobacter is a type of bacteria, most commonly Helicobacter pyori, which infects the stomach and duodenum and is believed to cause gastritis and in turn, peptic ulcers.

Occurrence

• An estimated 50 percent of the world's population is believed to have Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

Causes

• The root cause is typically accidental ingestion of fecal matter, which occurs in crowded conditions or where hygiene is poor. It occurs most often early in life.

Detection

• H. pylori is best detected in cultures from vomitus and stools, obtained during illness.

Treatment

• A combination therapy of antibiotics and acid reducers, plus at times a bismuth compound, cures up to 90 percent of H. pylori infections.

Misconceptions

• Before H. pylori was found to be the cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers, treatments were dietary, including diets heavy in milk and bananas and antacids like Maalox. These were soothing, but not curative.