Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter Pylori is a helix-shaped bacterium that finds its ideal environment in the mucus of the human stomach. It produces an enzyme called urease which interferes with the metabolism of the gastric mucous membrane, stimulating the production of gastric acids. Combined with the toxins produced by the bacterium itself, the resulting hyper-acidification can cause localised inflammation. Helicobacter Pylori is the most common cause of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and gastrointestinal ulcer. However, symptoms can take years to appear and in some cases the infection remains entirely asymptomatic.