9. c. Helicobacter Flashcards
What is the gram stain of helicobacter pylori?
Curved gram negative bacillus
What are helicobacter’s virulence factors?
Urease
Shape and mucolytic enzymes
Receptor mediated adhesion to stomach epithelium
What is the benefit of urease?
Cleave urea to ammonia which neutralises stomach acid
What is the benefit of h. pylori’s shape and mucolytic enzymes?
Pass through muscous layer to adhere to gastric epithelium
What is the pathogenesis of h.pylori infection?
Chronic inflammation of underlying mucosa of stomach and duodenum
Causes ulceration > lymphocytic infiltration > MALTomas
Doesn’t invade
What are the clinical features of h.pylori?
Most asymptomatic
Acute gastritis (dyspepsia)
Chronic gastritis
What are consequences of chronic gastritis?
Gastric atrophy
-iron and B12 deficiency anaemia
-idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura
Gastric cancer
How is H. Pylori detected?
Faecal antigen testing
Endoscopic biopsy; rapid urease test
Urea breath test
What is the treatment for H. Pylori?
2 antibiotics and a PPI
