By Sue Rochman

Bacteria's Link to Stomach Cancer

By Sue Rochman

Most people in the U.S. have never heard of Helicobacter pylori, yet it is one of the most common types of bacteria in the world.

Scientists believe that H. pylori is transmitted orally through fecal matter that is ingested through contaminated food or water. Once inside the body, the bacteria make a home in the mucus lining of the stomach. Typically, the acid released by the stomach destroys bacteria, but H. pylori is able to thrive because it contains an enzyme, called urease, which shields it from this acid.

H. pylori infection can cause ulcers and gastritis—an inflammation of the stomach lining. It is also linked to the development of stomach cancer. Because

H. pylori itself rarely causes symptoms, most people
are unaware that they carry the bacteria until they develop symptoms associated with ulcers or gastritis. These include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain.

To test for H. pylori infection, your doctor can perform:

• A blood test to detect the presence of H. pylori antibodies.
 
• A breath test that senses urease, the enzyme released by H. pylori.
 
• A stool antigen test to look for proteins or DNA associated with H. pylori.

• Endoscopy to biopsy the stomach lining and test for the presence of H. pylori.

H. pylori is treated with antibiotics or with a combination of antibiotics and strong acid-lowering medications. A breath test or stool antigen test is performed after the treatment is complete, to determine if it has been effective. If it isn’t, more antibiotics will probably be prescribed. In most people, eradicating H. pylori will cure gastritis or an ulcer. If symptoms remain, they are usually due to other factors, such as excessive use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.