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Helicobacter pylori infection can cause symptoms such as gastric cancer, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, and chronic gastritis. Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacterium with flagella that allows it to move through the gastric mucosa. In addition, the bacterium has adhesins on its surface, thanks to which it is easier to adhere to the mucous cells of the gastric epithelium.
Helicobacter pylori – characteristics
Helicobacter pylori is characterised by tissue tropism, i.e. the ability to adhere only to the cells of the gastric mucosa, which allows it to stay there despite the continuous process of exfoliation of the epithelium. The duodenal mucosa is colonized when gastric-type epithelium appears in it.
Helicobacter pylori produces many enzymes that are very important in the response of the gastric epithelium to infection. The most important – wish increases the alkalinity of the environment around the bacteria. This probably results in better conditions for its survival, protecting the bacteria from the destructive effects of hydrochloric acid. Not all strains Helicobacter pylori they have the same virulence. Only the strain with characteristic proteins is responsible for the development of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, atrophic mucositis, intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer. This is explained by the fact that not all infected patients are affected H. pylori there are symptoms. Research shows that after eradication of bacteria (i.e. its absence a month after using drugs), the symptoms of the infected people disappear and thus they are healed. Combined antimicrobial therapy is effective in treatment, but also greatly reduces the risk of relapse. Sometimes, however, bacteria may produce spores under unfavorable conditions.
Factors that increase the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection
A large number of studies have looked at the epidemiology of infection-related ulcers Helicobacter pylori. They proved that the increased incidence of Helicobacter pylori is related to factors such as low socioeconomic status and overcrowding in the place of residence. In developed countries, the number of infections is declining at the same time as housing conditions improve.
Helicobacter pylori infection – how does it happen?
Until infection H. pylori it usually occurs in childhood and the incidence of infection increases with age. We most often get infected through the alimentary tract through:
- contaminated food,
- contaminated water,
- poor sanitary conditions,
- dirty hands.
We can also become infected with another person (the bacteria can be isolated from saliva, stool, or dental plaque). About 80% of infections are asymptomatic. The presence of various strains H. pylori, in combination with the individual response of the host’s immune system to an infection, influences the development of a particular disease entity. In children, compared to adults, normal mucosa can be seen much more often, despite developing infection, inflammatory changes are usually less severe, gastric and duodenal ulceration is rare.
Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection
Symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection are mainly:
- aching or aching stomach,
- nausea,
- heartburn,
- belching,
- sometimes loss of appetite
- losing weight.
If you have any symptoms suggesting infection, do a screening test for Helicobacter pylori, which is responsible for gastritis. Mail order research is available on Medonet Market at an attractive price.
Helicobacter pylori infection – diagnosis
The diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori is based on invasive methodsfor which the sample taken during endoscopy is used: urease test, tissue culture, histopathological examination and non-invasive in the form of serological tests and a urea breath test. Another way to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection is by stool examination. At Medonet Market, you can now buy a stool test that you can do without leaving your home.
How to treat Helicobacter pylori infection?
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection should only be carried out by a doctor.
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