Helicobacter pylori (formerly named Campylobacter pylori) is a gram negative S shaped or spiral bacillus, described as a Unipolar flagellate, 1 by 3 micrometres in size. It is a microaerophilic, and produces urease and other toxins.
Infection with Helicobacter pylori is common in patients with peptic ulceration. A short course of standard ulcer treatment usually heals ulceration but about 85% of patients relapse within a year. In patients with duodenal ulcer, eradication of H. pylori causes the relapse rate to fall to 0 - 20%.
The best test for identification of H Pylori and for confirmation of eradication is the 13C urea breath test (1).
Reference:
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.