Helicobacter pylori
Ability to colonise the stomach
Colonise gastric mucosal cells, and metaplastic gastric epithelium in the duodenum or oesophagus.
Found in >95% of duodenal ulcer and almost all gastric ulcers who are not taking anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin.
Transmission - person to person
Infection tend to be chronic if untreated.
H. pylori penetrate the mucus lining (attracted to hemin and urea)
-> Activate inflammatory cells
-> Release urease -> converts urea to ammonia
-> Neutralise acid
-> Cytotoxin and ammonia released
-> Cause destruction of mucus producing cells
-> Underlying tissues exposed to acid
Microscopic/biochemical characteristics
Serologic test (ELISA for serum antibodies to H. pylori)
Breath test for urease
Endoscopy + biopsy
Combination drug: tetracycline+metronidazole+bismuth
Things to revise/add later:
Bibliography:
About | |
Created | 20040401 |