Question

What is Helicobacter pylori (pgs. 696-698)? By what means does this organism survive in the stomach? What conditions are associated with this infection and, what treatments are available?

Answer 1

Helicobacterium pylori causes peptic ulcers in gastric region of human digestive system. Treatment given proton pump inhibitors along with macrolide antibiotics.

Mechanism of action: Proton pump inhibitors: These predominantly used in peptic ulcer treatment as antacids. They have been used in gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia etc. Target of action is on H+/K+ ATPase enzyme inhibitor to avoid severe acid (H+) secretion through stomach chief cells.

Drug names which acts as proton pump inhibitors: Omeprazole, lansoprazole,

Brand names ---> Omeprazole: This is the only “over the counter” (OTC) drug that can be taken without a prescription by a physician; brand names: Gasec, Losec. It can be taken only for a few weeks but it is not safe to take this medication without a prescription as it have various adverse effects on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and renal system.

Lansoprazole ---> This drug should not be given without a prescription; Brand names: Prevacid, Zoton,

Proton pump inhibitors uses: Ulcers and gastritis produced due to bacteria and severe acid release though proton pump through chromaffin cells. Asymptomatic defined as the process of onset of no symptoms or delayed symptoms even though the person infected with infectious agent. In case of gastritis caused by Helicobacterium pylori 80 % individuals are asymptomatic this research revealing that the person must have resistance to that particular bacterial antigen based on his genetic makeup. Thereby the synthesis of antibodies though innate immunity against this foreign pathogen is high for phagocytosis. This type of anti bacterial genetic makeup makes the people obtaining resistance against those bacteria. In the digestive system mainly H.pylori causes conversion of ammonia to acidic fluids by reducing PH. This is due to production of enzyme urease from the H. pylori. The genetic makeup of the asymptomatic person either must have resistant genes to produce proteins against this enzyme or host immune cells might have stimulated interleukin based cascade mechanisms to kill the bacteria.

The patient is suffering from peptic ulcer. In peptic ulcer, patient suffers from ulcers or sores that line the abdominal wall. The symptoms of peptic ulcer include,

a). Pain in the upper abdomen after one to two hours of eating

b). Tenderness in the upper abdomen during the pain (and after eating)

c). Sometimes nausea and vomiting

d). Weight loss and dark black stools appear in severe cases.

The general causes of peptic ulcer include,

a). Stress and irregular food habits

b). Drug and radiation induced peptic ulcers (Eg: NSAIDS)

c). Infection with Helicobacter pylori.

d). Smoking and alcoholism

Helicobacterium pylori feeds on mucosal cells finally due to the rupture of mucosal layer, the gastric juices secreted directly attack the abdominal wall. This causes severe pain in the mid of the abdomen or upper abdominal region. Proton pump inhibitors predominantly acts on the parietal cells of the stomach layers and reduce gastric acid secretion caused by Helicobacter pylori infection.