Helicobacter pylori is a gram -ve, micro-aerophilic helical bacteria which is typically found in the stomach. It utilises its helical shape to penetrate the mucoid epithelial lining of the stomach as a mechanism to avoid the particularly acid environment of the stomach.
An additional mechanism to neutralise harmful acids is the copious production of urease leading to pH regulating (acid neutralising) ammonia. Ammonia is cytotoxic to the gut epithelial cells, as are additional biochemicals produced by H.pylori which include proteases, vacuolating cytotoxin A and various phospholipases.
How prevalent is Helicobacter pylori?
In 2015 studies concluded that in excess of 50% of the global population carry Helicobacter pylori in their upper GI tracts (stomachs). It has also been demonstrated that only 10-20% of these individuals show any symptoms of Helicobacter infection.
Studies have suggested that H. pylori actually plays a pivotal role in the normal and natural ecology of the stomach by playing a role in the determination of which type of bacteria colonize the gastrointestinal tract.
When does Helicobacter pylori become a problem?
The presence of H.pylori in the stomach is usually symptomless but this will change if conditions allow the normal balance of the bacterial population (biota) to be damaged thus allowing this bacterium to proliferate.
Examples of this include poor dietary choices (particularly gastric irritants), excessive alcohol consumption and the use of orally administered antibiotics.
Such an infection will cause inflammation of the epithelial lining of the stomach which allows the digestive enzymes and stomach acid to effectively overwhelm the normal mechanisms which protect the mucous membranes. Such a situation will result in ulcerated lesions of the gut wall with the subsequent symptoms of such a condition.
Ironically the standard conventional treatment for H.pylori infections is the use of antibiotics which will result in further destruction and imbalance of the gut biota.
How do you know if you are suffering from a Helicobacter infection?
If you suffer from more than one of the following symptoms (ie symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcer) you are likely to have this particular infection:
● Abdominal pain
● Burning sensations in the abdomen
● Stomach pain is worse when your stomach is empty
● Nausea
● Acid reflux
● Frequent burping
● Bloating
● Loss of appetite