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

• Campylobacter Pyloridis
• H. Pylori Infection

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

• Helicobacter pylori are bacteria that can infect an individual’s gastrointestinal tract. This can potentially cause signs and symptoms that include inflammation, abdominal distension and bloating, formation of ulcers, and even gastric cancer with prolonged infection
• Individuals of any age and gender may be infected by Helicobacter Pylori Infection, although children are affected the most. The disease is more common in regions with overcrowded conditions and poor sanitation facilities
• Blood tests, stool tests, and urea breath tests may aid in the diagnosis of H. Pylori Infections. In case of severe symptoms, a gastroenterologist may perform an endoscopic exam for a tissue biopsy
• H. Pylori Infection is generally treated using a combination of antibiotics, acid-reducing medicines, and bismuth compounds. With treatment, the prognosis of this bacterial infection is good
• Helicobacter Pylori Infections may be prevented with improved hygiene and sanitation conditions, and by a population-wide treatment of the condition

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

• Helicobacter Pylori Infections occur worldwide, although they are more commonly observed in some developing countries (where there is poor hygiene, overcrowded conditions, and a lesser use of suitable antibiotics)
• Both males and females of any age may be infected by the bacterium H. pylori. However, infection rates are highest during the first 5 years of life, during childhood
• All races and ethnic groups may be affected. Though, there is no particular preference, there may be different prevalence rates at different geographical locations (countries and regions)

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

Risk factors for Helicobacter Pylori Infection include:

• Individuals living, staying, or traveling in certain developing countries. The infection rates are generally higher in some developing countries, when compared to the developed countries, due to overcrowded conditions and poor sanitation facilities
• Maintaining poor self-hygiene, such as not washing one’s hands, especially before eating
• Consuming contaminated food and water

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 Pylori Infection? (Etiology)

• Helicobacter Pylori Infections are caused by bacterial infections occurring in an individual’s digestive tract
• About 50-60% of the world populations are infected by Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium found in the stomach. The exact mechanism, by which H. pylori are acquired, is unknown
• It is largely thought that the transmission of the bacteria occurs between people; occurring via oral-to-oral or fecal-to-oral transmissions
• Hence, H. Pylori Infection is contagious; the infection is thought to spread through food and water

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Helicobacter Pylori Infection?

Helicobacter Pylori Infection is asymptomatic in about 90% of the infected individuals. In others, the infection may be associated with the following signs and symptoms:

• Epigastric burning
• Abdominal distension, abdominal bloating
• Belching, flatulence
• Black, tarry stools
• Nausea
• Bad breath

The infection can also lead to ulceration of the stomach and duodenal mucosa. Overtime, these infections can lead to gastric cancer.

How is Helicobacter Pylori Infection Diagnosed?

Helicobacter Pylori Infection can be diagnosed as follows:

• A complete physical exam with a thorough medical history
• Blood test to screen for antibodies against Helicobacter pylori
• Stool test to screen for H. pylori
• A urea breath test may also be performed
• If the symptoms are severe, referral may be made to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopic exam. The gastroenterologist shall perform an endoscopy, and obtain a biopsy of the patient’s stomach and small intestine lining 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 Pylori Infection?

There are a number of complications associated with Helicobacter Pylori Infections:

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

How is Helicobacter Pylori Infection Treated?

Helicobacter Pylori Infections are treated as follows:

• Most often a combination of antibiotics, acid reducers, and sometimes bismuth compounds, are used
• Once the treatment is completed, the patients are often asked to undergo additional follow-up with their physicians. This may include a urea breath test or another endoscopy, to ensure complete treatment
• The use of certain drugs, such as Tylenol and aspirin, can often irritate the stomach. Thus, patients may be instructed to stop the use of such medication

How can Helicobacter Pylori Infection be Prevented?

Helicobacter Pylori Infection may be prevented by following certain measures, outlined below:

• With improved hygiene, such as washing one’s hands
• Having better sanitation in one’s environment
• Undertaking a treatment of the population, in order to help eliminate spread of the bacteria

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

• The prognosis of Helicobacter Pylori Infection is good with suitable treatment
• Among the infected patients, about 15% of them may develop ulcers, and 1% of the infected patients might develop gastric cancer, over their lifetime

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Helicobacter Pylori Infection:

Due to the risk of patient’s developing ulcers with Helicobacter pylori, 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.