H. Pylori Infection

What is H. Pylori Infection?

H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining and can persist for decades if untreated. It survives the harsh acidic environment by producing urease, which neutralizes stomach acid in its immediate vicinity. The infection causes chronic inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) and can progress to peptic ulcer disease. H. pylori is also classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen due to its strong association with gastric cancer. In the UAE and the broader Middle East, H. pylori prevalence is estimated at 40-60%, often acquired in childhood through contaminated food or water or close contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms

• ●Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
• ●Nausea
• ●Loss of appetite
• ●Frequent burping
• ●Bloating
• ●Unintentional weight loss
• ●Worsening pain on an empty stomach

What Causes H. Pylori Infection?

H. pylori infection is transmitted through oral-oral or fecal-oral routes, typically via contaminated food, water, or close person-to-person contact. Poor sanitation, crowded living conditions, and lack of access to clean water increase transmission risk. The bacterium damages the protective mucous lining of the stomach, exposing the underlying tissue to acid.

Risk Factors

• ⚠Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions
• ⚠Living in a developing country or region with high prevalence
• ⚠Close contact with an infected person
• ⚠Lack of access to clean water
• ⚠Young age at time of infection

How to Prevent H. Pylori Infection

Prevention includes practicing good hygiene such as thorough handwashing, drinking clean and treated water, eating properly cooked food, and avoiding sharing utensils. In households where H. pylori has been diagnosed, testing and treating other family members is recommended.

When to Get Tested

Get tested if you have recurrent upper abdominal pain, a history of peptic ulcer, unexplained nausea, or a family history of stomach cancer.

References & Sources

• [1]
  WHO — Helicobacter pyloriAccessed: 2026-02-24
• [2]
  Mayo Clinic — H. pylori InfectionAccessed: 2026-02-24
• [3]
  CDC — Helicobacter pyloriAccessed: 2026-02-24