The bacterium responsible for gastritis

March 8, 2026

TL;DR

Helicobacter pylori is a bacillus that inhabits the stomach lining.
It is a cause of chronic gastritis and stomach cancer, with only virulent strains causing disease.
Humans are considered the natural reservoir for this bacteria.
Transmission can occur through contaminated water and food, dirty hands, or inadequate sterilization of gastroscopes.
Infection is more common in older individuals.
Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, bloating, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark stool, and fatigue if ulcers bleed.
Testing is recommended if a family member has stomach cancer, even without symptoms.
Diagnosis methods include microbiological tests (serological tests from blood detecting IgA and IgG antibodies, stool and blood analysis) and histological examination of a gastroscopy sample.
The bacteria produces enzymes and toxins that damage the stomach lining's epithelium.
Treatment involves antibiotics such as amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, ofloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracyclines, often combined with bismuth preparations and metronidazole.

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