Helicobacter pylori
Definition
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that is present in the stomach of many people.
In some cases, this bacterium causes inflammation of the stomach lining or a stomach ulcer.
Characteristics
Helicobacter pylori naturally occurs in the stomach of most people and has beneficial properties. Until fairly recently, people often became infected at a young age. Having had a Helicobacter infection not only protects against reinfection, but is also associated with less asthma. In developing countries, many people still carry the bacterium in the stomach without experiencing any problems.
The presence of Helicobacter pylori is more common among people in the Netherlands with a migration background.
Among children who had experienced a period of nausea and diarrhoea and had a positive stool test, the test was negative two weeks later in 58%. When people become infected with Helicobacter, the infection will resolve spontaneously in 83% of cases.
History of Helicobacter pylori
Two Australian doctors, Robin Warren and Barry Marshall, observed the bacterium Helicobacter in people with stomach ulcers. In 1983, they reported in a letter to The Lancet that they had found spiral-shaped bacteria in a large number of patients with an inflamed stomach lining. Robin Warren and Barry Marshall proposed that stomach ulcers are caused by bacteria. Initially, the theory that bacteria cause stomach ulcers was not believed.
As an experiment, Marshall infected himself with Helicobacter pylori and developed a stomach ulcer. This was confirmed by gastroscopy, after which he took an antibiotic. The symptoms disappeared.
It is now accepted worldwide that stomach ulcers can be caused by this bacterium.
Diagnosis
In cases of persistent stomach complaints, infection can be detected by means of a stool test. Faecal diagnostics are increasingly used as a reliable way to detect Helicobacter pylori. This means that no blood sample is required. An immunochromatographic test is used. A PCR test can also be carried out.
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is found in the stool of more than 11% of people with stomach complaints.
Because many people carry this bacterium, a positive result is not proof of an active infection.
In some cases, the stomach is examined by gastroscopy. The diagnosis of a Helicobacter pylori infection is then based on culturing the bacterium from a stomach biopsy.
The internal examination can rule out a stomach tumour or a diaphragmatic hernia. This is an invasive examination. Stool testing is used in the first phase.
We recommend the following tests:
Prevalence and risk
The bacterium is contagious and can be transmitted through hands, contaminated food, stool or water.
Men have stomach ulcers more often.
Smoking cigarettes increases the risk.
Long-term inflammation can develop into what is known as atrophic gastritis. The mucous membrane lining the inside of the stomach is then much thinner than normal.
Helicobacter infections of the stomach increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Symptoms
In the Western world, people come into contact with Helicobacter less often and therefore do not build up immunity.
Due to antibiotic use, the nature of the bacterium has changed and it may damage the stomach more often.
As a result, infection can cause severe symptoms. Worldwide there are 750,000 new cases each year, and half a million people die from this disease.
– Pain. The most common complaint in people infected with Helicobacter pylori is pain in the stomach area. A characteristic symptom is a burning, stinging sensation in the stomach area or behind the breastbone, which may increase on an empty stomach and decrease after eating or taking an acid-suppressing medicine. The pain may radiate to the back, between the shoulder blades or to the neck.
– Nausea and a bloated feeling in the abdomen are common.
– Nausea may occur, sometimes with vomiting, and appetite is often reduced.
– Reflux. When food flows back into the oesophagus, this is called reflux. The lining of the oesophagus becomes irritated. Reflux can also cause a burning, stinging feeling behind the breastbone, with pain radiating to the back, shoulder blades or neck. Chronic coughing and swallowing problems may develop.
– Dark stools. A stomach ulcer can sometimes cause bleeding. The blood passes through the stomach into the intestines and ultimately enters the stool, which can be recognised by black, tarry stools or vomiting blood. In rare cases, the ulcer can perforate into the abdominal cavity.
– Perforation: the ulcer can break through, causing blood to enter the abdominal cavity. Very sudden, severe abdominal symptoms then develop. To prevent serious complications, urgent medical attention is required in the event of bleeding or perforation.
Treatment
The Helicobacter test can help distinguish between a stomach ulcer and reflux.
Stool testing is a reliable way to detect Helicobacter pylori.
If symptoms persist, an infection with Helicobacter pylori will be treated with a course of two different antibiotics, because the bacterium is often not killed when only one type is used. The bacterium is becoming increasingly resistant to many antibiotics, so follow-up testing should be carried out after treatment to check whether the bacterium has disappeared.
Tests for stomach complaints
- Digestive parameters
- Calprotectin
- Helicobacter pylori
Stool testing
In cases of persistent stomach complaints, an H. pylori infection can be detected with a stool test. Faecal diagnostics are increasingly used to detect H. pylori reliably. This means no blood sample is required. An immunochromatographic test is used in this case. A PCR test can also be carried out.
The bacterium H. pylori is found in the stool of more than 11% of people with stomach complaints. Because many people carry this bacterium, a positive result is not proof of an active infection.
About Darmklachten.nl
Darmklachten.nl is an initiative of MGlab&Advies, a laboratory specialising in stool testing. …read more
