Helicobacter Pylori: Understanding the Bacteria Behind Stomach Issues

Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a spiral-shaped bacterium that requires small amounts of oxygen to survive. Known to cause stomach inflammation and ulcers, H. pylori is present in half of the world's population, many of whom show no symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

History

• H. pylori is an adaptable bacterium. Before its discovery in the early 1980s, doctors supposed that no bacteria could survive the stomach's powerful acids, but H. pylori counters stomach acid with an enzyme called urease.

Significance

• H. pylori is a carcinogenic bacteria. This means that H. pylori can cause cancer, usually after 20 or 30 years of inhabiting your stomach, according to the Helicobacter Foundation.

Geography

• H. pylori is a widespread bacterium. In South America and Africa, up to 90 percent of adults carry this bacteria, but in the United States, that number is approximately 35 percent, according to the Helicobacter Foundation.

Transmission

• H. pylori is a contagious bacterium. According to the Mayo Clinic, H. pylori enters the body through contact with human feces or saliva.

Famous Ties

• H. pylori is a famous---or infamous---bacterium. Ayatollah Khomeini, Pope John Paul II and former president George Bush have all had H. pylori infections.