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Helicobacter pylori
Also known as: H. pylori, H-pylori, H. pylori antibody test, H. pylori antigen test, H. pylori breath test, CLOtest, rapid urease test (RUT) for H. pylori
Formal name: Helicobacter pylori
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Common Questions
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1. What is the treatment of peptic ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori?
2. Does everyone with H. pylori get ulcers?
3. How did I get infected with H. pylori?
4. Does everyone treated for H. pylori get better?
5. My father had an ulcer and he only took antacids. Why do I need antibiotics?
6. Are there any other ways of testing for H. pylori infection?
1. What is the treatment of peptic ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori?
Usually the doctor will prescribe a combination of antibiotics and a bismuth preparation, such as Pepto-Bismol®, for several weeks.
2. Does everyone with H. pylori get ulcers?
No, many people have evidence of infection but have no symptoms of ulcerative disease.
3. How did I get infected with H. pylori?
The bacteria are transmitted by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with human fecal material. Animals do not carry the bacteria in their GI tracts; it is only found in humans. Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common human ailments, affecting about 50% of the world’s population. In the U.S. and other developed countries, the infection rate is lower because of better hygiene and socioeconomic status.
4. Does everyone treated for H. pylori get better?
The majority of persons who successfully complete the combination antibiotic therapy get rid of these bacteria from their GI tract. However, resistance to some of the antibiotics may occur and, therefore, the bacteria may continue to multiply in spite of appropriate therapy.
5. My father had an ulcer and he only took antacids. Why do I need antibiotics?
Years ago, doctors did not know that Helicobacter pylori existed. Before 1994, peptic ulcers were not recognized as an infectious disease, so the only treatment prescribed for ulcers was a change in diet and antacids to stop the pain.
6. Are there any other ways of testing for H. pylori infection?
Recently, some studies suggest that the use of molecular methods that detect the genetic material of H. pylori in gastric biopsy samples may be useful in diagnosing an infection.
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This article was last reviewed on
April 14, 2008.
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