H Pylori Bacteria

H pylori bacteria live in the lining of stomach of approximately two thirds of the world's population ¹. They are Gram-negative bacteria which simply means they don't retain the dye in their cell walls in one of the tests scientists use to identify bacteria. More importantly, Gram-negative bacteria often cause inflammation.

H pylori causes stomach ulcers in some people and is suspected of occasionally causing stomach cancers. Mankind (and most of our primate relatives) have carried this bacteria in our stomachs for most of our existence and usually we rub along together without any problems.

They have flagella which are whip-like tails which propel them forward (the same way sperm move) and makes them very mobile. Their spiral shape also assists their ability to burrow into the lining of the stomach.

The helicobacter pylori bacteria is microaerophilic which means it needs oxygen but it needs it at a lower rate than is found in the atmosphere.

There are over 500 different strains of the h pylori bacteria ²with different strains being more common in people from different parts of the world.

This bacterium can cause infections in the human stomach that can last for decades. An infected person may have an estimated 10⁴ to 10⁷ H pylori colony forming units per gram of gastric mucus.³

Some strains have what is called the cag pathogenicity island and this leads to more severe stomach injury.⁵

Cause of h pylori

It is believed that h pylori bacteria have been with mankind since our very earliest days and h pylori antigens have been found in the feces of South American mummies dating back 1700 years.⁴

It is thought to enter our bodies through our mouth and sets up home in the stomach. The acidity of our gastric juices usually makes this a fairly hostile place for most bacteria but Helicobacter pylori is able to make a low acid buffer zone around itself.

By the age of 10 years, more than 80% of children in developing countries will be carrying this bacteria in their stomach.³

There are a number of different strains of the helicobacter pylori bacteria and it is the interaction between the different stains and each individual's immune system that makes for such a wide difference in symptoms.

Whilst many of us carry h pylori bacteria in our stomach, in only a few people does it cause problems or show symptoms.

Probiotics and h pylori treatment

It has been shown that fermented milk-based probiotic preparations improve H. pylori eradication rates by approximately 5-15%.⁶

Latest research shows that high dietary intake of probiotic bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus, and antioxidants, mainly vitamin C from fruit and vegetables, might decrease the risk of H pylori re-infection.

The findings of one 2007 trial stated: "Our review suggests that supplementation with probiotics could be effective in increasing eradication rates of anti-H. pylori therapy, and could be considered helpful for patients with eradication failure. Furthermore, probiotics show a positive impact on H. pylori therapy-related side effects."⁷

So it does seem as if anyone with the h pylori bacteria would benefit from eating more yogurt or a fermented dairy drink, a good probiotic and plenty of fruit and vegetables.

REFERENCES

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