Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that can cause chronic (ongoing) inflammation (gastritis) of the inner lining of the stomach.

This bacterium is also the most common cause of ulcers worldwide. One out of six patients with H. pylori infection will develop an ulcer of the duodenum or the stomach. Infected individuals usually carry the infection for life, unless medications are administered to eradicate (kill) the bacteria.

Today, H. pylori can be successfully eradicated using a combination of antibiotics and medicines that suppress stomach acid, such as proton-pump inhibitors.