Infection: Helicobacter pylori Flashcards
What is the classification helicobacter pylori?
Gram negative bacilli
What infections does h pylori cause?
Causes chronic gastritis
Cofactor in the pathogenesis of duodenal and peptic ulcers and gastric cancer
How does helicobacter pylori survive in the acidic environment of the stomach?
The bacteria use their flagella to reach through the mucus to the epithelial lining of the stomach where it is less acidic
Produce urease which breaks down urea into CO2 and ammonia - these react with the strong stomach acid to create a neutralised area
What is the urease breath test?
The patient drinks labelled urea which the bacteria metabolise to form a labelled carbon dioxide which can be detected in the breath
How is helicobacter pylori eradicated?
Triple therapy: PPI, amoxicillin and clarithromycin
