Helicobacter pylori and frequency therapy

Definition:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped that infects the stomach lining. It is widespread worldwide and is known to cause chronic gastritis, stomach ulcers and an increased risk of stomach .

Characteristics:

Spiral-shaped:
The shape of the bacterium allows it to move through the mucus layer of the stomach.
Urease production: H. pylori
produces the enzyme urease, which converts urea into ammonia and thus neutralises stomach acid, allowing the bacterium to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Transmission:

The exact mode of transmission is not fully understood, but it is thought that H. pylori is transmitted through direct contact with saliva, vomit or stool of an infected person, as well as through contaminated food or water.

symptoms:

Many people with *H. pylori* infection show no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include

Abdominal pain or burning
Nausea and vomiting
Flatulence
Loss of appetite
involuntary weight loss
with ulcers: blood in vomit or stool

Diagnosis:

- **Breath test:** Measures the presence of urea, which is broken down by the urease activity of *H. pylori*.

- **Stool test:** Detection of *H. pylori* antigens in the stool.

- **Blood test:** Detection of antibodies against *H. pylori* (less specific for current infections).

- **Endoscopy with biopsy:** Direct examination of the gastric mucosa and removal of tissue samples for microscopic examination and culture.

**Treatment:** - **Antibiotic therapy:** A combination of two or more antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to kill the . - **Proton pump inhibitors (PPI):** Reduce stomach acid production and support the healing of the stomach lining. - **Bismuth supplements:** Can be used in addition to antibiotic therapy to support eradication. **Prevention:** - Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing. - Ensuring drinking water quality and hygienic food preparation. - Avoid sharing eating utensils and personal items with infected people. **What you need to know:** - *H. pylori* was discovered in 1982 by Australian scientists Barry Marshall and Robin Warren, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2005. - The infection is spread worldwide The infection is widespread worldwide, with higher prevalence in developing countries. **Research:** Research on *Helicobacter pylori* is focussed on developing new diagnostic methods, improving treatment regimens to overcome antibiotic resistance and understanding the role of the in the development of gastric .