Helicobacter Flashcards
General characteristics (2)
Gram Negative, Spiral shaped
Microaerophilic
Reservoir
MAN ONLY
Transmission (2)
ORAL-ORAL or FECAL-ORAL
Habitat
Gastric mucosa
Clinical Manifestations (3)
Where bacteria are numerous, underlying mucosa shows SUPERFICIAL GASTRITIS
Minority of patients develop PEPTIC ULCER
Long standing infection associated with GASTRIC CANCER
Lab Diagnosis
Biopsy UREASE test —> AMMONIA production and change in PH
Reccurence?
Elimination of infection allows healing WITHOUT RECCURENCE
Peptic Ulceration (4)
1- Production of AMMONIA by UREASE causes IONIC CHANGES in MUCUS layer
2- Production of TOXINS as LIPOOLIGOSACCHARIDE that ACTIVATE INFLAMMATORY CELLS
3- Stimulation of an AUTO-IMMUNE response by production of ANTIGENS that CROSS-REACT with ANTRAL GASTRIC ANTIGENS
4- DEGREDATION of MUCUS by PROTEASE