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What is H. Pylori?

H. Pylori is a bacterium found in the stomach. In the majority of people it does not cause symptoms or problems. Approximately 20 % of people in the U.S. carry the bacteria in the

stomach without any problems. However, in a small number of people, the bacterial infection is associated with ulcer disease.

What are the signs or symptoms of H. Pylori?

In some people H. Pylori can be responsible for recurrent ulcer disease or dyspepsia. The bacteria do not "cause" the ulcer. It probably weakens the lining of the stomach and therefore allows

for the development of an ulcer. H. Pylori is not associated with ulcers caused by arthritis medications or aspirin.

How do we test for H. Pylori?

The simplest method of testing is by a blood test. This test does not detect the actual infection. It tests for antibodies to the infection. Therefore, it can only tell us that you once had the infection; it cannot tell us that you are actually infected at the time of the test.

The second method is to take a biopsy at the time of an upper intestinal endoscopy (E.G.D). Because of a special characteristic of the bacteria, this bacterium can be detected within 24 hours.

A breath test can also be used to determine if there is a current infection. At the present time this is not clinically available.

How is H. Pylori treated?

The bacteria are difficult to eradicate. It requires the simultaneous use of at least two antibiotics and a strong acid suppressor. This is why the bacteria are rarely treated when you take antibiotics for other infections. It is very important that you take the full course of medicines. At the present time, the recommended treatment is two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (Prilosec or Prevacid) for 7 days. This is 94% effective in eliminating the bacteria when a full course is correctly taken.

Can H. Pylori infection recur?

While re-infection with H. Pylori can occur, this is unusual. It is not necessary to recheck for the infection unless your ulcer symptoms recur or persist. An E.G.D. is necessary to recheck for recurrent infection

Can H. Pylori cause cancer?

There is some concern that H. Pylori infection may be related to the development of gastric cancer. At the present time this is unclear and has not been proven. However, H. Pylori has been classified as a class I carcinogen (definitely known to cause cancer) and should be considered a prime suspect for gastric cancer.

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