What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Gastrospirillum Hominis
• H. Heilmannii Infection
• Helicobacter Heilmannii of the Stomach

What is Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection? (Definition/Background Information)

• Helicobacter heilmannii is a bacterium that can infect an individual’s digestive tract. This can cause signs and symptoms that include inflammation of the stomach (termed gastritis), acid reflex, upper abdominal pain, and indigestion
• Individuals of any age and gender may be infected by Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection, although those in close contact with certain domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, have a higher risk
• A definitive diagnosis of the condition may be established through a stomach biopsy, performed by a gastroenterologist. Though there are no well-established guidelines for treating H. Heilmannii Infections, the treatment regimen used for Helicobacter pylori have been suggested by some healthcare providers
• A lack of treatment could lead to certain complications, which include gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, and even stomach cancer. However, the prognosis of Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection is not well-understood, since it is a rare condition
• Helicobacter Heilmannii Infections may be prevented with improved hygiene and sanitation conditions, and by the avoidance of (infected) domestic animals and pets

Who gets Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Helicobacter Heilmannii Infections occur worldwide, although they are more commonly observed in developing countries
• Both males and females of any age may be infected by the bacterium H. heilmannii
• All races and ethnic groups may be affected. Though, there is no particular preference, there may be different prevalence rates for different geographical locations (countries and regions)

What are the Risk Factors for Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors for Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection include:

• Living or travelling to areas with poor sanitation facilities
• Having close contact with animals that are infected, such as cats, dogs, pigs, and non-human primates (mostly observed in rural regions)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection? (Etiology)

• Helicobacter heilmannii is a bacterium that can infect an individual’s digestive tract. This causes Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection
• The exact mechanism by which Helicobacter heilmannii is transmitted is unknown
• Domestic animals, such as cats, dogs, and pigs, are natural hosts to this pathogenic bacteria

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection?

Signs of symptoms of Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection include:

• Inflammation of the stomach, known as gastritis: The severity of this type of gastritis is typically less than what is seen with Helicobacter pylori infections
• Acid reflex
• Epigastric pain (upper abdominal pain)
• Indigestion

Like Helicobacter pylori, Infection with Helicobacter Heilmannii is likely to be asymptomatic in most individuals.

How is Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection Diagnosed?

Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection can be diagnosed as follows:

• A complete physical exam with a thorough medical history
• A blood test to screen for antibodies against Helicobacter pylori. H. heilmannii and H. pylori are related bacteria. Polyclonal antibodies against H. pylori will work in detecting Helicobacter heilmannii
• A urea breath test may also be performed
• For a definitive diagnosis, the biopsy of the patient’s stomach is required. A gastroenterologist shall perform an endoscopy, and obtain a biopsy of the patient’s stomach that shall be evaluated microscopically by a pathologist

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection?

There are a number of complications that can occur from Helicobacter Heilmannii Infections:

• If untreated, many patients can develop gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Many patients can also develop gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
• Over time, there is a possibility that chronic infections may lead to gastric cancer

How is Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection Treated?

Due to the low prevalence of diagnosed cases of Helicobacter Heilmannii Infections, there have not been well-established studies to determine the optimal treatment course.

• A treatment for H. Heilmannii shall be directed by your healthcare provider, considering the merits of each clinical condition
• However, the treatment courses used in Helicobacter pylori infections have been suggested by some healthcare providers

How can Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection be Prevented?

Helicobacter Heilmannii Infections may be prevented by following certain measures, which are outlined below:

• With improved hygiene, such as washing one’s hands
• Having better sanitation in one’s environment
• Avoiding contact with domestic animals and pets (that have been infected), such as pigs, dogs, and cats; this may also help avoid any reinfection

What is the Prognosis of Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Due to the availability of limited information on Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection, the prognosis of the condition is not well understood.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection:

Due to the risk of patient’s developing ulcers with Helicobacter heilmannii, they should also be counseled on other ulcer development risk factors, such as the use of certain medications (commonly referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs), as well as smoking.