Helicobacter pylori - What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Vo Thi Thuy Trang - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital
Helicobacter pylori is a gastrointestinal bacteria that lives in the mucus layer on the surface of the stomach lining. Helicobacter pylori can cause acute and chronic peptic ulcers and even stomach cancer.

1. What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a bacteria that grows in the mucous layer on the surface of the stomach lining and has a tendency to attack the gastric mucosa, causing acute and chronic gastritis, in addition to causing duodenal ulcers. , intestinal polyps, cancer of the secretory glands of the stomach According to statistics, the rate of HP bacteria infection in Vietnam is quite high, about more than 70% of the population. In developed countries such as the US, it is even lower than only 6.8%.

Tỷ lệ vi khuẩn HP lây nhiễm ở Việt Nam lên tới khoảng hơn 70% dân số
Tỷ lệ vi khuẩn HP lây nhiễm ở Việt Nam lên tới khoảng hơn 70% dân số

2. What is the structure of HP bacteria?


Helicobacter pylori is a curved rod-shaped Gram-negative spirochete, about 3μm long with a diameter of about 0.5μm, with 4-6 flagella in the same position as shown in the figure HP bacteria are able to survive in the environment. concentrated acid. Helicobacter pylori lives mainly in the mucous layer on the surface of the stomach lining. Helicobacter pylori was discovered in 1982 by two Australian doctors, Robin Warren and Barry Marshall.

Vi khuẩn HP là một dạng xoắn khuẩn Gram âm
Vi khuẩn HP là một dạng xoắn khuẩn Gram âm

3. How does the HP virus spread?

HP is an infectious disease: The routes of transmission can be oral, faeces through family, community
Oral: Vietnamese eating habits: sharing bowls, chopsticks..., mothers use their mouths to feed rice and food HP is spread by saliva from one person to another.
Polluted environment, poor sanitation: Water source is polluted. Rats, cockroaches, flies... bring bacteria into food

Các con đường lây truyền của vi khuẩn HP
Các con đường lây truyền của vi khuẩn HP

4. What are the harms when infected with HP?


Vi khuẩn HP gây nhiều tác hại cho sức khỏe con người
Vi khuẩn HP gây nhiều tác hại cho sức khỏe con người

5. Diagnosis of HP infection?

4 commonly used test methods to detect HP bacteria are:
Endoscopy and biopsy: Endoscopy assesses the level of infection and damage in the stomach. Biopsy site: 2 pieces in antrum and stomach body. Breathing test for HP Stool test by immunofluorescence When infected with HP -> the body will produce HP antibodies -> Test for antibodies in the blood.

Xét nghiệm hơi thở urê (Urea Breath Test) được sử dụng để phát hiện vi khuẩn HP trong cơ thể người
Xét nghiệm hơi thở urê (Urea Breath Test) được sử dụng để phát hiện vi khuẩn HP trong cơ thể người

6. How to prevent HP infection?


Sanitation and prevention of epidemics in living places: sanitation of water sources, food, shelter. Wash hands thoroughly when eating. Healthy eating habits: eating hygienically, eating well cooked, drinking boiling water, not smoking, drinking alcohol... Checking for HP bacteria when there are signs of stomach disease and having a doctor's prescription for eradication promptly, avoid infecting family members. When someone in the house is infected with HP, they should use separate chopsticks, clean dishes and chopsticks, to avoid infection. Medical examination and treatment, endoscopy at a reputable facility to ensure sterility.
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