Helicobacter pylori

Overview

Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) is a species of (Gram Negative) spiral shaped Detrimental Bacteria that resides in the Gastric Mucosa and the Mouth (usually in Dental Plaque).  It is the most common type of Bacteria that infects humans although it causes its toxic effects in only some persons.

 Helicobacter pylori - Treatments

 Helicobacter pylori is recognized as the most prevalent Bacteria to infect humans in the world.

 Helicobacter pylori is present in approximately 50% of people over the age of 60 and is present in approximately 20% of people under the age of 40.

 People of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese have an average incidence of 75% for Helicobacter pylori infection.

 Helicobacter pylori infection is uncommon in young children.

 Persons of low socio-economic status have a higher-than-average rate of Helicobacter pylori infection.

 Helicobacter pylori is transmitted from person to person orally.  This is substantiated by its appearance in Dental Plaque.  This means that it can be transmitted by exposure to an infected person’s Saliva (e.g. kissing).

 The presence of Helicobacter pylori in the Mouth interferes with any attempt to eliminate it from the Gastric Mucosa in the Stomach.

Cardiovascular System

 Helicobacter pylori infection may increase the risk of Atherosclerosis.  ^[2]

 Helicobacter pylori infection may increase the risk of abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[3]

 Helicobacter pylori infection may increase the risk of Ischemic Heart Disease.  ^[4]

 Helicobacter pylori infection may increase the risk of Stroke.  ^[5]

Digestive System

 Helicobacter pylori damages the Gastric Mucosa.  ^[6]

    Helicobacter pylori infection may cause Gastritis.  ^[7]

 Helicobacter pylori infection may cause Heartburn.  ^[8]

 Helicobacter pylori may cause Hypochlorhydria.  ^[9]

 Helicobacter pylori infection may be the underlying cause of the abdominal Pain associated with many cases of Indigestion (and eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection may thereby alleviate Indigestion in many cases).  ^[10]

 Helicobacter pylori infection may cause Intestinal Cramps:  ^[11]

 Helicobacter pylori infection may cause Recurring Abdominal Pain (RAP) in children.  ^[12]

 Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of Peptic Ulcers (except Jejunal Ulcers):

 Helicobacter pylori causes almost all Duodenal Ulcers - this Bacteria releases large quantities of Urease (an Enzyme) that damages the Intestinal Wall, allowing Gastric Juice to corrode the Intestinal Wall.  Helicobacter pylori is believed to be responsible for approximately 92% of all cases of Duodenal Ulcers.  ^[13]