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Helicobacter pylori

Back to laboratory testing

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium which lives in the stomach. It has been shown that this microorganism infects approximately 50% of all people over the age of 60 years in the developed world. Helicobacter pylori is believed to be the only bacteria able to withstand the acidity of the stomach. High levels of stress, caffeine, alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin can increase the incidence of this infection. This bacterium has been shown to be the single biggest cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastritis. It is now believed that virtually all-abdominal ulcers, apart from drug-induced forms, are caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori secretes an alakai substance in order to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach. This can cause some individuals to experience digestive issues and related health problems which are associated with hypochloridia (low stomach acid). Therefore, this test may sometimes be relevant, even if ulcers are not an issue.