Gastroenterology

Helicobacter Pylori Infection

H. pylori are spiral-shaped bacteria that grow in the gut and have a tendency to attack the stomach epithelial lining. H. pylori infections are usually harmless, but they’re responsible for the majority of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine. While infections with this strain of bacteria typically don’t cause symptoms, they can lead to diseases in some people, including peptic ulcers, and an inflammatory condition inside the stomach known as gastritis. Due to the spiral-shaped of H. pylori, it penetrates the stomach lining, where they are protected by mucus and your body’s immune cells are not able to reach them. The bacteria can interfere with your immune response and ensure that they’re not destroyed. This can lead to stomach problems.