Helicobacter Pylori Overview

Gram-negative, curved bacteria, mobile with polar flagella; doesn't have spores or capsule; grows in microaerophilic environments (5-10% CO2).

Cytotoxin-associated vacuoles, causing acid vacuoles in cells; very active urease that neutralizes stomach acid.

Often asymptomatic gastritis initially; potential for ulcers (10%), stomach cancer (1%), and lymphoma (rare).

Human-to-human spread, primarily in childhood and families; suspected routes include gastro-oral, oro-oral, and fecal-oral

Includes serology (ELISA or Western blot), breath test, and stool antigen test for cases not yet confirmed.

Upper endoscopy with biopsies for urease testing, culture, and specimen examination; a highly sensitive method.

Combination of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and antibiotics needed. May require quadruple bismuth therapy depending on the antibiotic susceptibility tests.

Ulcer patients, those with MALT lymphoma, and people with detected gastric atrophy.

Gram-negative bacteria, curved or spiral, mobile with flagella, no spores or capsule; grows in microaerophilic environments.

Cytotoxin-associated vacuoles (damaging cells) and powerful urease (neutralizes stomach acid).

Often causes gastritis, potentially progressing to ulcers (10%), stomach cancer (1%), and lymphoma (rare).

Spread primarily human-to-human, mostly in childhood via gastro-oral, oro-oral, or fecal-oral routes.

Serology (blood test), breath test, and stool antigen testing—useful for earlier detection.

Upper endoscopy with biopsies, analyzing for urease, culture to confirm infection.

Combination of proton pump inhibitors (acid reducers) and antibiotics; sometimes quadruple bismuth therapy.

Patients with ulcers, MALT lymphoma, or detected gastric atrophy,require treatment to prevent complications.