It appears that Helicobacter pylori is a very common microorganism in humans, that many of us get it as children, and that it is connected at least to some extent with poor hygiene. It can be spread through human contact, and by contaminated gastrointestinal equipment. It is more common in some families and communities.

The infection manifests differently in different individuals. In some people, it produces more acid in the stomach, and ulcers may result. In others, stomach acid suppression or complete lack (achlorhydria) may result, and these people are at risk of gastric cancer. It is unclear why some people respond one way or the other. There may be predisposing genetic or enviromental factors such as diet. Low vitamin C and high intake of salt and nitrates are correlated with increased risk of gastric cancer. It is also of interest that the infection rates are very high in Africa (perhaps as high as 100%) where the rates of gastric cancer are very low.

The organism is able to produce ammonia, cytotoxins, and enzymes, and attaches itself to the gastric mucosa. The MALT infiltration is thought to be the body's effort to contain the infection. The body is rarely able to clear up the infection on its own. The result of the infection is usually gastritis, peptic ulcer, stimulation or inhibition of acid secretion, and lymphoid proliferation. The organism is able to cause cellular injury directly as well as indirectly via inflammation.

There are several tests that can be used to identify the infection. The serology and whole blood tests are less expensive, but the urea breath test is more sensitive. Treatment is a triple or double course of antibiotics, plus bismuth, recommended for varying lengths of time, from 1 to 4 weeks, and the bismuth for several months thereafter. There are high percentages of eradication but up to 1/3 of patients relapse.

Complementary strategies include Manuka honey (from New Zealand) which has high levels of hydrogen peroxide and has been shown in studies to be active against H. pylori. After the antibiotic treatment is finished, it makes sense to rebuild the gut flora with probiotics (lactobacilli & FOS), vitamin A, glutathione and omega-3 oils. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) and aloe vera are two herbs that help heal the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Berberine or olive oil extraxt may be used as a natural herbal antimicrobial agent after the mainstream treatment. Digestive plant enzymes may also be useful. Some patients have experimented with oral hydrogen peroxide, but this treatment is controversial even in alternative circles, since it can cause intestinal inflammation.

Patients with ulcers or cancers associated with H. pylori should confirm eradication after treatment with the urea breath test, but this should not be done until at least 4 weeks have elapsed since the end of treatment because at treatment's end the organism may seem gone but will sometimes resurface shortly thereafter.

Some interesting links:

www.gicare.com/pated/ecdgs30.htm

www.helicobacter.org

www.drmirkin.com/archive/6326.html

www.cdc.gov/ulcer

www.helico.com/newsite/trsum.html

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Researched by Vera Bradova © 1999-2001
Updated 8-29-2004