This is a bacterial infection that affects around 30% of the world population. It usually infects the stomach and is considered to be one of the common bacterial infections. Although the infection does not cause any symptoms, it can cause peptic ulcers and gastritis. This is also declared as one of the class 1 carcinogen meaning it can produce cancer. The bacteria invade the lining of the stomach and can cause duodenal and gastric cancer. Research indicates that the H.pylori infection may be contagious as it appears to be evident in the families and more prevalent in the crowded environments.
Causes
Although the exact method of infection is not known, it can be passed from one person to another by direct contact with the saliva or the fecal matter. The bacteria can also be transmitted to other individuals from the contamination of food or water. This bacterial infection is usually contracted in childhood and some of the risk factors associated with developing this include living with an individual who is infected, living in a crowded environment, consuming food prepared in unhygienic condition or having no access to clean drinking water.
Symptoms
Most of the individuals don’t realize they are infected as they may never get sick from it. They may also not develop any symptoms associated with this infection. However, some have experienced loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and the burning pain of the abdomen. It is important to seek medical help particularly if the individual experiences difficulty with swallowing, bloody stool or vomit and severe abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
There are various tests used to diagnose the infection of H.pylori. The tests are based on whether it is invasive of non-invasive. The invasive infection needs the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy which requires a biopsy to determine the presence of H.Pylori infection. The pathological state of the stomach lining helps evaluate whether it is acute or chronic gastritis, the presence of precancerous changes and other malignancy. The urea breath test can detect the presence of the active infection and determine the success of its eradication. The blood tests can identify the presence of the antibodies to the bacteria indicating the body’s response to it. The stool H.pylori antigen test is more accurate that is frequently used.
Treatment
The treatment uses a combination of antibodies in order to prevent the bacteria from developing resistance and with an acid suppressor or stomach protector. Some of the acid suppressors include proton pump inhibitors and histamine (H-2) blockers. Usually, with the completion of the antibiotics, the physician may recommend additional tests to determine if the bacteria have been eradicated. If the treatment is unsuccessful, a different combination of antibiotics may be administered.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/h-pylori/basics/treatment/con-20030903
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/h-pylori.html#
https://medlineplus.gov/helicobacterpyloriinfections.html
http://www.cdd.com.au/pages/disease_info/heliobacter_pylori.html
